Hong Kong Apothecary: A Visual History of Chinese Medicine Packaging
by Simon Go
ISBN 962-86816-2-10
ISBN 978-962-86816-2-4
248mm (H) x 228mm (W)
200 pages. Over 700 color illustrations. Softcover with extendsion flaps.
English
HK$220 (inclusive of delivery)
US$32.5 + postage fee (outside Hong Kong delivery)
The packaging of Chinese patent medicine
has seen the development of a strong and dynamic tradition that has
yielded a vocabulary of basic forms. Of these, there are seven traditional
basic forms, namely, Gao (plasters), Tan (pellets), Wan (pills), San
(powder), Cha (tea), Yeow (oil) and Jiu (wine). These forms had a direct
influence on the modes, materials, typefaces, patterns, and compositions
used in packaging.
A Visual Journey Through Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Packaging is the consummation
of Go's four years research on traditional Chinese medicine packaging through
interviewing, collecting and studying with Chinese Medicine manufacturers
and neighbouring folks since 1997.
Richly illustrated with graphical design motifs, this fascinating book
documents the contemporary changes and development in the packaging of
Chinese patent medicines and the retrospective changes in some Chinese
medicine shops since the mid-19th century. The book merits a champion in
Hong Kong Print Awards 2001 with high regard.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Designers and artists who are both nostalgic and fascinated with contemporary
oriental design elements in packaging design;
Creative practitioners and marketers seeking for marketing and design inspirations
between design and our daily life;
Socio-cultural historians having special interest in the changes of Chinese
medicine tradition
About
the Creator
Simon
Go - A photojournalist with a mission, Simon Go dedicates
to documentary and fine-art photography over the last 11 years since
he graduated from the School of Design of Polytechnic University in
1989.