February 17, 2026
In celebration of the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival, we wanted to share the colours that inspired us from our previous trip to Beijing. Colours in Chinese culture have never been merely decorative. For centuries, they have served as a visual language, carrying meaning across dynasties, ceremonies, architecture, textiles, and everyday life. A single hue could signify power, renewal, devotion, restraint, or joy. Together, these colours form a living archive, quietly recording the rhythms of history and the values of the people who lived within it.
Weathered vermilion doors, muted blue tiles, smoky ink-washed greys, and soft golden tones all seem to carry fragments of the past. Each colour holds layers of intention and symbolism shaped by philosophy, politics, nature, and ritual. When placed side by side, they begin to tell a story of continuity and transformation.
Each photo is accompanied by an excerpt from Traditional Chinese Colours by Guo Hao, offering a brief yet illuminating glimpse into the historical significance behind each shade. These passages help ground our visual impressions in deeper context, connecting what we saw to centuries of cultural meaning.
This Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Fire Horse, an auspicious sign associated with momentum, passion, and an untamed spirit of change. The Horse is long celebrated as a symbol of freedom, endurance, and forward motion, while the Fire element adds intensity, warmth, and bold creative energy. Together, they speak to a year fuelled by courage, decisive action, and the pursuit of transformation.
As we step into this new cycle, we feel immense gratitude for the present moment and for the community that continues to grow with us. For the support, conversations, and shared appreciation for craft, beauty, and thoughtful design. Each season is a reminder that what we build is never done alone, and we carry that gratitude with us into everything we create.
We wish everyone a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year. May this Year of the Horse bring clarity in your direction, strength in your stride, and joy in the journey. We are deeply excited for what lies ahead and look forward to an inspiring year filled with creativity, connection, and new beginnings.
With love,
Rholend
