Whispers of Ink: Fragrance Packaging Inspired by Jiangnan

Classical Chinese artistry meets modern design in award-winning packaging

The Whispers of Ink fragrance series, designed by Sha Feng and Jiayi Lu, brings the poetic beauty of Jiangnan’s springtime to life through exquisite packaging. Each scented candle container is adorned with hand-drawn floral scenes, created using vertical line techniques that evoke the delicacy of traditional Chinese art. The containers are finished with a grass green enamel glaze, offering a lustrous, jade-like warmth and a glass-like transparency that captures the region’s serene landscape and classical charm.

This fragrance series stands out for its integration of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage techniques. The collection includes scented candles, travel incense sticks, and plaster diffuser stones, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The packaging design draws inspiration from the "magnolia book" motif, transforming magnolia blossoms from Jiangnan gardens into the shape of an open book page. This unique approach creates an immersive “book with fragrance” experience, blending literary elegance with sensory delight.

Advanced printing methods, such as spot color printing and letterpress embossing, are employed to achieve the refined textures and vibrant hues that define the packaging. The design team faced significant challenges in harmonizing manual craftsmanship with modern production standards, particularly in perfecting the thickness and clarity of the hand-drawn lines. Multiple rounds of adjustments ensured that the final product achieved both artistic integrity and functional excellence.

Collaboration played a key role in the project’s success. The design team partnered with the historic Chinese brand Qiaojiayao and Shanxi Province’s intangible cultural heritage “Fahua” ceramic artisans. This partnership not only revitalized traditional crafts but also addressed the challenge of merging market aesthetics with cultural preservation. The result is a packaging series that appeals to contemporary consumers while honoring centuries-old techniques.

The Whispers of Ink fragrance series has garnered international recognition, winning the prestigious Golden A’ Packaging Design Award in 2025. This accolade highlights the series’ exceptional contribution to art, design, and technology, affirming its status as a trendsetting creation that bridges the past and present.

By seamlessly integrating heritage craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, Whispers of Ink offers a sensory journey that invites users to experience the timeless elegance of Jiangnan in every detail.