White and Blue Porcelain: A Toast to Tradition and Modernity

Hai Zhu's Packaging Design Merges Cultural Heritage with Innovation

In a harmonious blend of past and present, designer Hai Zhu unveils the White and Blue Porcelain packaging, a modern tribute to the timeless Chinese art form.

The White and Blue Porcelain packaging by Hai Zhu is not just a container for premium Chinese Baijiu; it is a canvas where traditional art dances with contemporary design. The design draws its essence from the rich blue and white porcelain culture, revered for centuries in China. The Year of the Dragon theme weaves a layer of mystique and auspiciousness into the design, celebrating the enduring charm of Chinese traditions.

Distinctive in its approach, the packaging stands out for its unique celebration of the Year of the Loong. The design's strength lies in its elegant color palette, reminiscent of the iconic porcelain, and its silhouette that echoes the Yuhuchun vase—a symbol of grace and vitality in Chinese poetry. The Loong motifs adorning the bottle are more than decorative elements; they encapsulate the spirit of Chinese culture, making each bottle a bearer of tradition and a talisman of good fortune.

The creation of this packaging is a testament to the mastery of the underglaze technique from Jingdezhen, often associated with the exquisite Yuhuchun vase. The cap, shaped and colored to represent the Loong's head, adds a luxurious touch, elevating the packaging to a work of art. The intricate Loong motifs are not only visually striking but also carry deep cultural symbolism, resonating with the themes of power and prosperity in the Chinese Zodiac.

With practicality in mind, the design team has ensured that the bottle is not only visually appealing but also functional. The gold-outlined zodiac characters and the Loong-shaped cap enhance the user's experience, making the act of opening the bottle a ceremonious event. The bottle's design, inspired by the Yuhuchun vase, is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic, facilitating ease of use during the pouring of the Baijiu.

The design journey began in Chengdu at the close of 2023 and made its debut in the Chinese market in January 2024. The team's research focused on marrying traditional art with modern consumer preferences, resulting in a packaging that pays homage to and innovates upon the blue and white porcelain art form. The design caters to the connoisseurs of Chinese Baijiu, with special editions for 30-year and 50-year aged spirits, highlighting the exclusivity and premium nature of the product.

Overcoming the challenge of modernizing traditional motifs without losing their essence, Hai Zhu has crafted a narrative that unfolds the story of traditional culture through the packaging. The design transcends conventional liquor packaging stereotypes, offering a product with both aesthetic allure and cultural depth. The White and Blue Porcelain packaging is a celebration of Eastern heritage, reimagined for the contemporary landscape of Chinese Baijiu.

Recognized for its creative ingenuity and contribution to design, the White and Blue Porcelain packaging was honored with the Bronze A' Design Award in 2024. This accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical skill, and a commitment to improving quality of life, underscoring Hai Zhu's role in shaping a better, more aesthetically rich world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chengdu Fenggu Muchuang
Image Credits: Chengdu Fenggu Muchuang
Project Team Members: Hai Zhu
Project Name: White and Blue Porcelain
Project Client: Shanxi Blue and White Porcelain Distillery Co., Ltd


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