Story of Ganzhi

A Modern Geometric Book Design Inspired by Ancient Chinese Philosophy

The inspiration for this book design comes from the Hetu & Luoshu, an ancient Chinese diagram with dots and lines. The designer, Wei LYU, incorporates this inspiration into the font design, which includes Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, as well as the "sun and moon," resulting in a total of 24 letters. The color palette of the book is derived from the five elements of Chinese philosophy - gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. Through the use of modern geometric shapes, the design aims to present the ancient Chinese philosophical thinking and system concept of Yinyang.

What sets this book design apart is its combination of ancient Chinese symbolism with a contemporary aesthetic. The font design, inspired by the Hetu & Luoshu, creates a visual representation of the philosophical concepts it represents. The color palette, derived from the five elements, adds depth and meaning to the overall design. The use of modern geometric shapes adds a sense of sophistication and elegance to the book.

The book itself is made using traditional Chinese bookbinding techniques. The case cover features digital print and high light film on 150 gsm C1S and 3 mm board, while the text is printed on 300 gsm white paperboard with the same finishing. The binding of the book utilizes mounting pages to create a seamless and visually appealing reading experience.

One of the unique aspects of this book design is its interaction with the reader. The book contains two separate books, one that opens from the left and the other from the right. These two books share one back on the same side, symbolizing unity and separation at the same time. As readers flip through the pages, they will see themselves reflected, representing the idea that time reflects everything.

The project started in June 2016 in Hangzhou and was completed in November 2016. It was exhibited at Shantou University in December 2016 for the Selected Award of the Kan Tai-keung Design Award 2016. The design was recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in 2017, which is awarded to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

This book design by Wei LYU successfully combines ancient Chinese philosophy with modern geometric style, resulting in a visually stunning and intellectually engaging reading experience. It showcases the designer's ability to present traditional ideas in a fresh and innovative way, making it a standout piece in the world of book design.