The NINE SONS OF LOONG is a series of ornaments for the Zhuazhou Ceremony (a traditional Chinese custom on a child’s first birthday anniversary where an assortment of articles are placed in front of infants to allow them to choose for prediction of their future interests and career). Centered around the reinterpretation of traditional symbols with modern forms, the project employs illustrations and 3D modeling to establish a paradigm for transforming cultural symbols into functional objects. The design team delved into the personalities and symbolic meanings of the legendary nine sons of Loong, merging them with the symbolic articles used in Zhuazhou—for instance, Yá zì with a sword represents courage, Fù xì with a brush symbolizes literary talent, and Chī wěn with a gourd conveys blessings of safety. Every formal and color decision is grounded in a profound understanding of traditional images and modern aesthetics.
In terms of exterior design, the project adopts soft, rounded Q-style forms that ensure both approachability to infants and clear cultural identity. These Zhuazhou articles are organically fused with nine divine creatures—each figurine functions both as an independent narrative unit and as an integral component of a cohesive cultural system.
The project demonstrates systematic expertise in converting traditional cultural resources into contemporary IP. It includes individual 3D and graphic designs, as well as an expandable, derivable, and interactive cultural symbol system. From thematic illustrations and educational cards to derivative products, the design language remains consistent yet adaptable, showcasing sustainable brand development capabilities.
The project establishes a closed-loop skill system—spanning research, transformation, and implementation—elevating traditional motifs beyond mere symbolism and translating them through precise craftsmanship into tangible life artifacts. It not only demonstrates the contemporary vitality of traditional customs but also embodies the multiple factors of cultural IP design, weaving together literary interpretation, design logic, and systemic thinking.