What it does
This is a deskware series inspired by Chinese clerical script, transforming calligraphic forms into functional objects to solve the disconnect between traditional aesthetics and modern daily use.
Your inspiration
Inspired by the Han Dynasty’s Cao Quan Stele in clerical script, this project explores how the unique structure and rhythm of Chinese calligraphy can be transformed into functional deskware. The design aims to bring traditional literati aesthetics into modern life through poetic and symbolic forms.
How it works
This design series transforms the calligraphic structure of four characters—"Xin" (心), "He" (和), "Jing" (静), and "Yi" (逸)—from the Han Dynasty’s Cao Quan Stele into deskware functions. The paperweight is shaped by the inward-folded, grounded form of "Xin," ensuring low center of gravity and slip resistance. The storage box draws from the symmetrical balance of "He," resulting in modular compartments. The tea tray reflects the vertical, centered posture of "Jing," with recessed rings echoing quiet, meditative layers. The desk clock abstracts the sweeping rhythm of "Yi" to create a curved, flowing surface and dynamic dial layout. Digital modeling techniques were used for form development, while fine details and textures were refined through hand-finishing. The series merges aesthetic symbols with practical function, creating poetic, culturally resonant objects.
Design process
The design combines digital modeling for preliminary shaping, and then manually refines the texture and material expression to finally achieve the integration of symbolic structure and usage function, presenting a modern study object rich in cultural connotations.
How it is different
This series of products takes the Han Dynasty stele "Cao Quan Stele" as the aesthetic source, extracts the official script features of the four characters "heart, harmony, tranquility, and leisure", and designs a set of literati study desk supplies with cultural connotations through semiotic interpretation and form transformation. Through the exploration of the evolution of calligraphy symbols to functional symbols, the aesthetic tension of traditional calligraphy is integrated with contemporary design language to create a daily use experience with oriental temperament. In order to integrate into modern life. With the four characters "heart, harmony, tranquility, and leisure" as the spiritual core, explore the symbolic expression of traditional official script shape in contemporary functional products.
Future plans
I will select various calligraphy fonts and compositions to showcase the inherited value of traditional calligraphy, carry out in - depth design, and promote the landing and production of products. By integrating Li Shu calligraphy into cultural and creative items, I aim to let the intangible cultural heritage of calligraphy enrich people's spiritual world and inject vitality into life, achieving an organic combination of cultural inheritance and modern living.
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