The inspiration for Chaxiang Siyi comes from the essence of Xiang tea itself. It is not just about the fragrance of the tea, but also about the connection to the countryside and the feeling of "tasting the nature and drinking the landscape." The designer wanted to capture this essence and create a packaging design that reflects the four sceneries of the countryside.
The strength of Chaxiang Siyi lies in its visual representation. The packaging is designed in the form of plain paintings, combining the scenery of each tea's origin with its local characteristics. The result is four innovative landscape illustrations that express the concept of "tasting the nature and eating the landscape thoroughly." This unique approach sets Chaxiang Siyi apart from other tea packaging designs.
The realization of Chaxiang Siyi involves careful craftsmanship and attention to detail. The box structure is a square box with a heaven and earth cover. The surface paper is made from recycled materials, reflecting the designer's commitment to environmental protection. The outer box is hot-pressed with the "Xiang" character, while the inner box features screen-printed illustrations depicting the origin of the tea. The different colors on the sides of the inner boxes complement the black and white illustrations on the front, creating a visually appealing and elegant design.
The specifications of Chaxiang Siyi are as follows: Length: 28cm, Width: 28cm, Height: 8cm. These dimensions ensure that the packaging is both functional and visually pleasing.
Chaxiang Siyi is not just a tea packaging design; it is an interactive experience. With a pot of tea, the fragrance of Xiang tea fills the air, creating a strong connection to the region. The designer's journey to find the best Xiang tea led to the selection of four varieties: Anhua (black tea), Xiangxi (yellow tea), Wuling (black tea), and Chenzhou (gounaogong tea). Along the way, the style and ecological environment of each place left a lasting impression. The use of Chinese painting meticulous landscape composition method, combined with modern elements reconstruction, creates a simple yet profound aesthetic art realm.
Chaxiang Siyi was designed in Changsha in February 2019, proofed in Changsha in March 2019, and produced in Changde at the end of March 2019. The design process involved overcoming the challenge of combining teas from four different places in Hunan Province and creating a cohesive overall style. Through careful design and craftsmanship, the designer successfully integrated the teas into a single product.
Chaxiang Siyi has been recognized for its excellence and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. Chaxiang Siyi not only showcases strong technical and creative skills but also contributes to improving the quality of life, making it a truly deserving winner.
Chaxiang Siyi is more than just a tea packaging design; it is a work of art that celebrates the beauty of Xiang tea and its connection to nature. With its innovative landscape illustrations and attention to detail, Chaxiang Siyi offers a unique and immersive tea experience for tea lovers around the world.
Project Designers: Wang Qi Jun
Image Credits: Wang Qi Jun
Project Team Members: Design Director: Wang Qijun,
Design Assistant: Ding Yu, Wang Junyao
Project Name: Chaxiang Siyi
Project Client: Wang Qi Jun