Cultural and Creative Design Applications of Yuan Blue-and-White Porcelain: A Case Study of the Gao’an Museum

Abstract

This study takes the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain collection of the Gao’an Yuan Blue-and-White Porcelain Museum as its research object. As an artistic treasure of the Yuan Dynasty, these ceramics are renowned for the distinctive coloration of Sumaliqing cobalt, intricate and well-structured decorative patterns, and the expressive elegance of their classic forms. However, they currently face challenges in cultural transmission, including lagging cultural and creative product development, limited forms of expression, and insufficient appeal to younger audiences. Through a systematic analysis of the cultural elements of Gao’an Yuan blue-and-white porcelain, this study identifies three core design dimensions. Based on these traditional elements, this study develops a series of contemporary ceramic blind box IP products. By analyzing current trends in the blind box market and the development of museum cultural and creative products, representative motifs from Gao’an Yuan blue-and-white porcelain are incorporated into the IP concept. These traditional motifs are innovatively embedded into blind box design, balancing cultural authenticity with the aesthetic preferences and collecting habits of younger consumers, thereby revitalizing Yuan blue-and-white culture in a contemporary context. This design practice not only provides new insights into the modern transformation of cultural heritage but also explores feasible pathways for developing cultural and creative products rooted in tradition. By integrating traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern blind box design, the study both preserves the cultural essence of Gao’an Yuan blue-and-white porcelain and opens new avenues for its sustainable development, offering a valuable practical reference for the contemporary museum cultural and creative industry.