The inspiration behind Zhong Yuan No. 1 is deeply rooted in the natural environment of tea cultivation and the traditional aesthetics of ancient China. The design team, led by creative director Tiger Pan, drew inspiration from the green landscapes where tea grows and the traditional window frame patterns of ancient tea farmers' houses. The result is a tea can that resembles a tea picker with a hat-like cap, embodying the essence of tea cultivation.
What sets Zhong Yuan No. 1 apart from other designs is its unique interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics. The tea can is shaped geometrically to abstractly represent a tea-picker, symbolizing the warmth and care with which the tea leaves are picked and processed. The outer box is locked by a representation of the original mountain, emphasizing the purity and quality of the tea.
The realization of this design involved a combination of various materials and techniques. The tea can is made of tinplate, embossed and gold-stamped to give a sense of delicacy. The outer box, made of customized paper, embodies the concept of 'less is more'. The sealing belt, designed with exquisite embossment and stamping, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
The design specifications of Zhong Yuan No. 1 further contribute to its uniqueness. The jar measures 83mm x 123mm, while the box measures 300mm x 130mm x 155mm. The design tags associated with this project include tea, maojian tea, Chinese tea, Temple of Heaven, and Tiger Pan, reflecting the design's cultural and historical influences.
The design process of Zhong Yuan No. 1 was not without challenges. The team had to ensure that the design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, making it easy for consumers to identify and select the product. This was achieved through the use of distinctive symbols, bright colors, and a clear layout of information. The project, which took place in Shenzhen, lasted four months.
In conclusion, Zhong Yuan No. 1 is a testament to the power of design in enhancing the consumer experience. It combines traditional aesthetics with modern design principles to create a product that is not only visually appealing but also tells a story. This design has rightfully earned its place as a Silver A' Packaging Design Award winner, showcasing remarkable expertise and innovation in the field of packaging design.
Project Designers: TIGER PAN
Image Credits: Tiger Pan
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Tiger Pan
Graphic Design: Longfei Xiao
Technical Direction: Zhangkun Xie
Technical Direction: Miaorong Lu
Project Manager: Hua You
Project Name: Zhong Yuan No 1
Project Client: TIGER PAN