循古法以排字，秉匠心以焕新颜
- 致“活字印刷”.
Since 2019, we have introduced a series of limited-edition collections inspired by cultural motifs such as the Planet Series, Meri Snow Mountain, Confucianism, Ancient Civilizations, 千里江山图, Yingluo, and the Six-Character Mantra. These exclusive releases are rarely reproduced, often becoming one-of-a-kind artifacts. Such creations emerge from fleeting sparks of inspiration—naturally ephemeral and non-recurring.
To complement these unique pieces, we launched the "Exceed（极）" Series—a cohesive family of designs that carry profound cultural narratives. This year, we further expanded this vision with the new "Dynasty" Series, continue the distinctive cultural symbolism and design DNA. Beyond these sustained lines, we aimed to develop works with both strong cultural identity and collectible value. Thus, we turned to one of the most iconic symbols of ancient China: the Four Great Inventions (movable-type printing, gunpowder, the compass, and papermaking).
These inventions are not only treasures of Chinese civilization but also pivotal catalysts for global cultural and technological progress. Drawing inspiration from them allows us to create pieces with profound historical resonance and universal significance
The Four Great Inventions project officially commenced in September this year. Our core goal is to translate the essence of these inventions into tangible designs, ensuring the cultural narrative is instantly recognizable—a challenge we embrace. Unlike abstract concepts we’ve previously explored, conveying the tangible legacy of the Four Great Inventions required a more intuitive approach. Fortunately, our mastery of the world’s most advanced shaving brush craftsmanship provided a solid foundation for realizing this vision
The series demands expressive power and visual impact. Traditional Chinese craftsmanship has long excelled in complex yet functional artistry—take, for example, the intricate dougongbracketing system in classical architecture, which blends structural ingenuity with aesthetic refinement. This philosophy guides our design: complexity with clarity, and detail with purpose
We began with movable-type printing as the inaugural theme, inspired by my personal passion for calligraphy and the cultural weight of Chinese characters. As vessels of heritage and spirit, characters are central to our identity. This theme pays homage to printing’s revolutionary legacy while celebrating the artistry of Hanzi
During the design phase, we first established the main structure, then crafted 300 type pieces featuring culturally rich characters. After meticulous selection, over 60 characters were modeled and arranged in a dynamic, layered composition. Key terms like “极” (from the Exceed Series) were emphasized as focal points. To enhance depth and impact, we iterated endlessly on the height and arrangement of each piece, achieving a balance of complexity and order.
The primary material chosen was bronze—a timeless metal that echoes ancient Chinese grandeur. For surface treatment, sandblasting offered the ideal balance of texture and practicality. Polishing such intricate structures would be prohibitively time-consuming and costly (though technically possible!). For non-dominant sections, we opted against premium wood to avoid cracking risks. Instead, vibrant resin accents complement the bronze, bridging tradition and modernity while ensuring compatibility with larger brush heads.
Thank you for your time and interest. We look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
Best regards,
Carry