Serendipity Hall: Redefining Traditional Chinese Wedding Gifts

A Harmonious Array of Blessings

In Taiwan, the traditional Chinese wedding culture continues to thrive amidst the influence of Western wedding styles. Inspired by the curiosity surrounding the stores selling betrothal gifts, designer Wen Xuan Zhang created Serendipity Hall, a unique gift box that encapsulates the essence of Taiwanese engagement traditions.

In Taiwan, it is customary for both the bride and groom to exchange an array of gifts with various blessings. Serendipity Hall reimagines the delicate packaging of these gifts, bringing them together in a harmonious collection. The gift box, aptly named Serendipity Hall, symbolizes the consummation of fate and expresses gratitude towards marriage. The packaging features illustrations of magpies, which are symbolic of happiness and fortune in Chinese culture. Chinese knots and frames adorn the background, representing the everlasting bond between the newlywed couple.

The high-volume paper used in the gift box ensures that it can support the weight of the items inside. Careful consideration was given to selecting the appropriate materials for the packaging, resulting in a design that is both functional and visually appealing. Serendipity Hall provides all the necessary items for a traditional Chinese wedding, conveniently packaged in one box.

With its modern aesthetic and traditional symbolism, Serendipity Hall strikes a balance between old customs and contemporary wedding styles. The packaging allows individuals to choose different gift sets while maintaining a cohesive and visually pleasing array. It is a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, catering to the preferences of modern couples.

The Serendipity Hall project began in February 2018 and was completed in July 2018. The design was conceptualized and presented in Taiwan, gaining recognition on Behance. The research process involved interviews with elders and online inquiries to gather information about traditional Chinese wedding rituals. The gift set was designed based on the essential items that are commonly exchanged during these ceremonies.

Designing Serendipity Hall posed several challenges, including the selection of gifts that vary from region to region. The packaging needed to accommodate different items while maintaining interactive illustrations that complemented the objects. Additionally, the decision of whether to use two boxes to accommodate varying weights was carefully considered.

Ya-Jyuan Jhou, Yi-An Chen, Wen-Xuan Zhang, and Ya-Wen Chen collaborated on the design of Serendipity Hall. Their collective efforts resulted in a holistic gift box that encapsulates the spirit of traditional Chinese weddings while appealing to a younger audience.

Serendipity Hall was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The design of Serendipity Hall integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: WEN XUAN ZHANG
Image Credits: Image #1: Illustrator Ya-Jyuan Jhou / Yi-An Chen / Wen-Xuan Zhang / Ya-Wen Chen, Serendipity Hall, 2018. Image #2: Illustrator Ya-Jyuan Jhou / Yi-An Chen / Wen-Xuan Zhang / Ya-Wen Chen, Serendipity Hall, 2018. Image #3: Illustrator Ya-Jyuan Jhou / Yi-An Chen / Wen-Xuan Zhang / Ya-Wen Chen, Serendipity Hall, 2018. Image #4: Illustrator Ya-Jyuan Jhou / Yi-An Chen / Wen-Xuan Zhang / Ya-Wen Chen, Serendipity Hall, 2018.
Project Team Members: Art Director: Hsiao-Pei Hou Designer: Yi-An Chen Designer: Ya-Jyuan Jhou Designer: Wen-Xuan Zhang Designer: Ya-Wen Chen
Project Name: Serendipity Hall
Project Client: WEN XUAN ZHANG


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