Design of Cultural & Creative Product
Project
Introduction
This bone ceramic tea set consists of an upper cup and lower pot, one-piece design, with small and compact features suitable for outdoor use. The design is inspired by the distinctive ecological environment and cultural heritage of Qumarlêb County on the Qinghai Plateau. It incorporates elements from the iconic yak and zagat animals, particularly the horns of the yak and ox, which are featured on the heat-resistant handle of the cup. Unlike traditional bone china, the use of yak bone meal as a raw material results in a warm, soft, and creamy white glaze on the product’s surface, delivering a subtle and silky visual and tactile experience. When examining the context of this design initiative, it is essential to acknowledge that Qumarlêb County is situated in a crucial ecological protection area at the source of the Three Rivers, an area of vital significance for environmental conservation. Due to stringent environmental protection policies, industrial development in the region is limited, causing the local economy to depend largely on natural animal husbandry. However, the economic potential of cattle and sheep is restricted; while meat and fur can be utilized, by-products such as yak bones and yak feces are often discarded as waste, creating a waste issue and imposing a burden on local sanitation systems. The design team proposed the transformation of yak dung into biofuel and processed broken yak bones into bone meal. This initiative led to the creation of a Yak Bone Ceramic Portable Cup that harmonizes ecological advantages with cultural heritage, providing an additional source of income for local residents and enhancing the region’s cultural identity. It is noted that many individuals in society remain unaware of the significance of ecological conservation in Hoh Xil and Qumarlêb County. The designers aspire for the utilization and dissemination of this travel tea set to promote the idea of environmental protection within the region, thereby fostering greater public awareness and support for local ecological initiatives. They also aim to contribute to the improvement of the local economy, ultimately assisting in poverty alleviation efforts in the area.
