Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum by Xiaoge Zang

Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum by Xiaoge Zang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Praemium A' Design Award Aeneum in Res Domesticae Competition Category.

AesRes Domesticae· 2026

Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum

by Xiaoge Zang

Client: BeiHang University

Praemium A' Design Award Aeneum Winner in Res Domesticae Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum

Ivory Veil est objectum decorativum ex cupro et lacca naturali confectum. Forma eboris caelati speciem refert, nulla tamen materia animalis adhibetur. Nucleus cupreus formatur, praeparatur ac deinde circiter centum quinquaginta tenuibus stratis laccae naturalis obducitur. Ubi siccatum est, superficies motivis columbae et paeoniae caelatur atque ad laevorem politur. Objectum septuaginta unum centimetra longitudine, viginti tria centimetra latitudine et triginta octo centimetra altitudine metitur. Ivory Veil artem traditam Sinensem, quae in periculo oblivionis versatur, adhibet, et alternativam sustinebilem praebet quae tutelae ferarum favet.

The Recognition

About the Praemium A' Design Award Aeneum

Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum victor est Praemii A' Design Award Aeneum, honoris multum aestimati formis egregiis, creandi ingenio, sollertia et acumine insignibus dati. Victores Aenei opera perita et mire creandi sunt, quae experientiam, imaginationem et solertiam auctorum suorum confirmant. Exspectatur Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum rem multum aestimatam, admiratam et carissimam, notabiliter professionalem et novam fore. Haec forma Aeneo victa optimas consuetudines artis, scientiae, formandi rationis et technologiae amplectitur et in cura minutiarum excellit. Ivory Veil Objectum Decorativum necessitates egregie explet, cupiditates tangit, sensus capit et curiositatem allicit.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This is a display item made of natural lacquer crafted using ancient Chinese techniques and shaped like ivory. It is not made of real ivory, but rather a combination of copper and lacquer materials that recreate the appearance of ivory. The craftsmanship involved is complex, and even in China, it faces the risk of being lost. Its texture is close to real ivory, and the patterns also adopt traditional Chinese artistic forms.
Dimensions & Packaging: Its length is 71 centimeters, width is 23 centimeters, and height is 38 centimeters.
Tags: Traditional Chinese Culture, Carved Lacquerware, Sculpture, Decorative Object, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Artwork, Ivory Form, Wildlife Protection
Production Technology: First, the lacquer collected from the tree is prepared. Then, the copper material is shaped into an ivory-like form, and a layer of primer is applied to the prepared copper surface. After the primer dries, multiple layers of natural lacquer are applied, ensuring each layer is smooth and accumulating to a thickness of about 150 layers. Once the lacquer layers are dry, tools are used to carve on the lacquer surface. Finally, the surface of the workpiece is polished to ensure smoothness.
Design Challenge: Lacquer trees are found deep in the mountains, and only a few drops of sap can be collected from each tree. Most people are allergic to lacquer, making the collection process extremely challenging. Very few people know how to make lacquer, and there are almost no reference books available. The lacquer will not cause allergy until it is completely dry. However, lacquer dries very slowly, requiring more than a year from the time of sap collection to the completion of the artwork.
Research: This is applied material and craft research. The objective was to recreate the beauty of ivory without using animal material. The method combined visual study, material comparison and making tests. Research tools included literature review, sketching, carving and surface-finishing trials. Prototype experiments examined form, texture and visual effect. The result showed carved lacquer could achieve an ivory-like elegance ethically. The project shows how traditional craft can support wildlife protection and inspire sustainable design.
Inspiration: To protect wildlife, we reject the use of real ivory. Yet ivory has long been admired for its artistic beauty, which inspired this project to recreate that elegance through a sustainable alternative. Chinese carved lacquer, made from natural lacquer resin, can be shaped freely and developed with a texture and visual softness close to ivory. This led to a carved lacquer object that echoes the form and refinement of ivory without using animal material.
Project Duration: Launched in Beijing in February 2023, and completed in May 2024.
Operation Flow: The object is meant to be viewed closely and appreciated from different angles. As the viewer lifts or turns it gently, the carved dove and peony motifs, layered lacquer surface, and ivory-like texture become more visible. The interaction is quiet and reflective rather than mechanical. It performs better by combining symbolic imagery, rich detail, and a smooth tactile quality, creating a deeper visual and emotional experience.
Team Members: Huanxi Wang
Yutong Wang
Ruoxuan Gao
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Xiaoge Zang, White Carved Lacquer Artwork, 2024.
Image #2: CreatorXiaoge Zang , White Carved Lacquer Artwork, 2024.
Image #3: CreatorYutong Wang , White Carved Lacquer Artwork, 2024.
Image #4: Creator Huanxi Wang, White Carved Lacquer Artwork, 2024.
Image #5: CreatorYutong Wang, White Carved Lacquer Artwork, 2024.
Video Credits: Video Creator Xiaoge Zang ,White Carved Lacquer Artwork, 2024.