Bingran Zhao · CLIENT: BeiHang University
Horse Year is a packaging series for incense sticks. The design centers on the seal script Chinese character for horse, combined with the linear language of Daoist talismans and smoke patterns. Five variants follow a color cycle based on the Five Elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth. The five boxes can be placed side by side to form an image of a galloping horse. An inner tray is pulled out to reveal the incense and a blessing message. Uncoated paperboard, soy based inks and a molded pulp tray support recycling.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This packaging series transforms the seal script Chinese character for Horse and the linear language of Daoist talismans into a contemporary visual system tailored for incense products. Through a color cycle derived from the generative logic of the Five Elements and the subtle integration of flowing 2026 curves the five variants are unified into a coherent narrative regarding time and blessing. The design merges ritual sensibility emotional experience and everyday usability enabling users to intuitively select incense according to their emotional state rather than engaging with the packaging merely as a decorative container.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 160 mm × Depth 40 mm × Height 70 mm
- Tags
- Incense packaging, Year of the Horse, Chinese zodiac, Five Elements, Daoist talisman
- Production Technology
- The packaging employs uncoated paperboard soy based inks and restrained hot stamping to emphasize the seal script visual while ensuring recyclability. Constructed through die cutting and folding the design utilizes a molded pulp inner tray instead of plastic. The graphic system is developed by vectorizing strokes from seal script and Daoist talismanic lines refined through rigorous prototyping and color calibration.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge lies in translating specific cultural elements like seal script the Five Elements and Daoist motifs into a contemporary global packaging language avoiding stereotypical Oriental imagery. Research balanced historical literature with youth aesthetic preferences selecting motifs that convey cultural depth without religious misinterpretation. Execution complexity arose from controlling fine lines on uncoated paper using soy based inks. Multiple proof iterations ensured both environmental sustainability and visual precision.
- Project Duration
- The project started in May 2025 in Beijing China and finished in November 2025.
- Operation Flow
- Users may first align the five individual boxes side by side to assemble a complete image of a galloping horse, and then select the incense corresponding to a particular color and Five Elements attribute according to their current mood or usage scenario. The packaging is opened by pulling out an inner tray, through which the incense and its associated blessing message are revealed simultaneously. This deliberately slowed opening action creates a brief "pre-ritual" moment before the act of lighting the incense.
After use, the outer boxes can be retained as modular desktop storage units or framed as decorative panels, allowing the packaging to continue functioning beyond a single-use context. In this way, the interaction extends beyond one-time consumption and encourages sustained engagement with the product and its cultural narrative. - Research
- This qualitative design study seeks to reintegrate traditional incense and Daoist culture into the daily lives of younger audiences. The research methodology synthesized literature reviews on Five Elements symbolism with competitive market analysis. Interviews and user testing with participants aged 20 to 35 investigated specific habits and aesthetic preferences. Findings revealed that minimalist narrative driven and emotionally expressive designs are preferred for gifting purposes. These insights directly informed decisions regarding the final form color system and copywriting strategy.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by Chinese incense culture this project celebrates the 2026 Year of the Horse through the Five Elements. The design condenses Eastern philosophy into packaging by blending the seal script horse character with Daoist talismans and smoke patterns. Hidden curves subtly form the number 2026. The color system follows the generative cycle of Metal Water Wood Fire and Earth. This chromatic logic connects five variants inviting users to select a fragrance and an auspicious intention for the day.
- Image Credits
- Image #1：Bingran Zhao
Image #2：Jiuxiao Cui
Image #3：Zhou - Patents
- Bingran Zhao
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