Reviving Chinese Totemism: The Shou Design

Susu Yao and Feng Liang's Innovative Approach to Traditional Asian Aesthetics

The Shou design is a spontaneous project under the subject of 1983ASIA. In ancient China, square ornaments on the robes of officers, showcasing images of birds and beasts made of gold and colored threads, were referred to as officer decoration. This officer decoration was the central point of Chinese people’s totemism, with birds representing civil officers and beasts of prey symbolizing military officers. The Shou design draws from this rich cultural history, offering a modern interpretation of these traditional symbols.

1983ASIA, the design team comprising Susu Yao and Feng Liang, used digital tools like PS and AI software to rearrange, deconstruct, and design ancient patterns. The team continuously modified, edited, and adjusted the patterns, seeking breakthroughs in composition, color, and material to integrate the traditional eastern totems into modern life. The result is a series of products that allow people to appreciate their culture in a contemporary context.

The Shou design is realized through digital printing, side shrinking with machine, and oil painting mounting. The team selected velvet material with diamond luster for its smooth feel and the interesting colors it shows under different light rays. Combined with the oil painting mounted with wooden frames, the design offers a harmonious and highly decorative addition to any home.

The design process was not without its challenges. The team had to research the characteristics of Chinese traditional culture and find ways to bring these cultural products to daily life using modern design methods. Their goal was to allow more people to enjoy these fashionable culture products and learn about their stories. The project was completed in 2016 in Shenzhen, China.

The Shou design has been recognized for its innovative approach to traditional Asian aesthetics. It was awarded the Golden A' Textile, Fabric, Textures, Patterns and Cloth Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. These are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.