Original dry Shaoxing wine packaging design, created by Riverside Design Studio
Yellow rice wine, one of the oldest alcohols in the world, has its origins in China, where it is produced exclusively. It is a brewed wine, like beer and wine, and is one of the three oldest fermented beverages known to mankind.
As China’s oldest wine, most products on the market today have packaging that is either excessively traditional, inspired by the aesthetics of Japanese sake or whisky, or focused on innovation without respect for the wine’s rich historical culture. The challenge, then, is to strike a balance between the heritage of this tradition and contemporary aesthetics, by designing distinctive and recognisable packaging.
To achieve this, modern adaptations are made to the classic shape of the traditional bottle, giving it sleeker, more fluid and unique lines. The colours are chosen in traditional tones, and the design is inspired by the simple layout of an ancient manuscript, enriched by modern touches of ancient pictorial art. The resulting packaging exudes a powerful oriental charm while being adapted to contemporary tastes, providing a visual identity that stands out with elegance.
