Xijiu Liquor: A Toast to Tradition and Innovation

Yamin Zhu's Packaging Merges Cultural Heritage with Modern Elegance

In a blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary design, Yamin Zhu's Xijiu Liquor packaging reimagines traditional Chinese aesthetics for the modern consumer.

Rooted in the rich tapestry of Chinese history, the Xijiu Liquor packaging by Yamin Zhu stands as a testament to the enduring allure of cultural motifs. Drawing inspiration from the jade Cong, an artifact symbolizing the reverence of heaven and earth, this design transcends time to celebrate significant life events. The bottle's form, viewed from any angle, reveals the Chinese character "Xi," embodying happiness and joy, while its striking Chinese red color is synonymous with festivity in Chinese culture.

Yamin Zhu's creation is not merely a container but a narrative piece that embodies the ancient Chinese philosophy of harmony between the round sky and the square earth. The bottle's cap and body reflect this belief, and when two bottles are united, they form the "double happiness" character, an emblem of matrimonial bliss. This thoughtful design element pays homage to traditional Chinese wedding customs, making Xijiu Liquor a meaningful gift for couples.

The production of Xijiu Liquor's packaging utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as holographic positioning printing and cat eye finishing on the box, alongside glass spraying painting technology for the bottle. The cap's lustrous finish is achieved through electroplating and red spraying, adding a touch of luxury to the tactile experience. The technical specifications ensure the packaging is as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing, with dimensions crafted for visual impact and ease of handling.

Yamin Zhu's design philosophy is deeply rooted in the celebration of life's auspicious moments, as reflected in the Chinese belief in the four joys of life. The prominence of the "Xi" character in the design is a deliberate choice to visually communicate joy and the continuation of Chinese cultural traditions. The design's interactive nature, where multiple bottles can be arranged to convey different auspicious messages, adds a layer of engagement for the user, enhancing the celebratory experience.

Bringing this design to fruition posed a creative challenge: to seamlessly integrate Chinese characters into the bottle's form while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic that captures the festive spirit of the Chinese nation. The result of numerous revisions, the final design strikes a balance between cultural reverence and modern simplicity. The Xijiu Liquor packaging is not just a vessel for an alcoholic beverage; it's an embodiment of cultural pride and a bridge between the past and the present.

Recognized with the Iron A' Packaging Design Award in 2024, the Xijiu Liquor packaging by Yamin Zhu has been lauded for its innovative approach to design that honors tradition while meeting contemporary standards. This accolade underscores the design's success in merging functionality with emotional resonance, contributing to a richer, more culturally connected world. Protected under intellectual property laws, this design ensures that the legacy of Chinese aesthetics is preserved and celebrated in a form that resonates with today's global audience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Yamin Zhu
Image Credits: Yamin Zhu
Project Team Members: Yamin Zhu
Project Name: Xijiu Liquor
Project Client: Forty-Nine Union Design Department


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