2026

Design Awards Gold Winner - HUNAN NEW CENTURY CERAMICS CO.,LTD.

Crown of Stars Jar

Entrant

HUNAN NEW CENTURY CERAMICS CO.,LTD.

Category

Beverage - Spirits: Luxury

Client's Name

Country / Region:

China

The design draws inspiration from the "Gold Filigree Crown" of Emperor Wanli (Ming Dynasty), aiming to translate royal protocol into a contemporary narrative. By distilling the crown’s prestigious geometric silhouette and merging it with the "Stars"—a metaphor for eternal time—we have created an iconic vessel for the premium spirit brand, National Cellar 1573. This is not merely a redesign of a container, but a global reinterpretation of historical legacy within the context of modern spirits culture. The visual composition seamlessly integrates ancient Eastern astrology (the 28 Constellations) with modern geometric aesthetics. Through a precision-engineered dot-matrix layout, the star maps and brand symbols form a unique visual rhythm across the vessel body. The signature "Dragon Scale" belt, rendered via 3D relief craftsmanship, provides a robust structural feel and a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This approach preserves cultural identity while aligning with international minimalist trends. Functionality is at the core of this professional storage vessel. Crafted from premium high-white clay and fired at ultra-high temperatures (1250°C–1380°C) in a state-of-the-art smart facility, the material exhibits superior physical stability. Its water absorption and thermal stability exceed national standards (GB/T3298/3299). The vessel’s zero-permeability and lead/cadmium-free properties create an optimal micro-oxygen environment for aging rare spirits, ensuring food safety and long-term chemical stability. The project’s unique value lies in the seamless integration of "Filigree Inlay"—a national intangible cultural heritage—into modern industrial design. By weaving and layering ultra-fine gold wires, we have broken the monolithic texture of traditional ceramics. This composite application of multiple materials (precious metal, ceramic, and natural jasper) creates a rich tactile experience, transforming the product from a mass-market commodity into a non-replicable "art asset."

Credits

LI HANG, CHEN CHUNYING
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