Chengdu artists pour heart and soul into memorable mascots

The team also designed a Rongbao tea canister and two series of mugs — the Chinese zodiac and a constellation series — for the Chengdu games.

The canister, which is shaped like a chubby giant panda, was inspired by a photo of a lone panda sitting in the corner. It is painted in three colors — white, black and gold.

The mugs are decorated with illustrations by renowned local illustrator Wu Qingsong, winner of the China Animation and Comic Competition Golden Dragon Award.

"Wu has garnered acclaim beyond Chengdu, and his artwork for the constellation series uniquely interprets Western zodiac culture through the lens of traditional Chinese heroes," Tao said.

"As the games officially commence, Chengdu will welcome visitors from around the world, and we hope these culturally fused art pieces will play a significant role in promoting traditional Chinese culture to international tourists," she said.

Dai and Tao founded their studio in Chengdu in 2016, quitting design jobs to devote themselves to the handicraft world.

The studio is Chengdu's pioneering ceramic art creative design center, seamlessly combining traditional juci techniques with pottery production resulting in innovative designs and creations.

Apart from enjoying juci artworks, visitors to the studio can also enjoy hands-on experiences like pottery throwing, slab building and underglaze painting.

"For years, I was sitting in front of a computer feeling bored. Now, even though I may be physically tired at the end of each day, I am fulfilled, especially when I repair a broken ceramic piece. It brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment," Dai said.

In October 2018, the team's ceramic products were exhibited at the intangible cultural heritage exhibition at the Louvre Museum in France.

Now, as the global sports event unfolds right in their own backyard, the team is once again showcasing their remarkable creations.

"We make each ceramic Rongbao by hand, embodying heartfelt blessings for the Chengdu games. It's something that emanates from the creativity of local artists," Dai says.

She says that as seasoned Chengdu craftsmen, the team takes immense pride in contributing to their home city in this unique way.