DHH studio's renewal posters are contemporary take on couplet tradition

DHH studio’s renewal posters are contemporary take on couplet tradition
all images courtesy of echo yang

‘renewal’ by taiwanese DHH studio is a series of silkscreen prints within the studio’s ‘project 193’. the posters were designed for the machining factories of sanchung city, taiwan. traditionally, new couplet posters–meant as offerings of good wishes–are hung on the door of each family every chinese new year. in the industrialized city, amidst the constant smell of metal and oil, couplet posters are often the only change the new year brings.

the posters distinguish themselves by replacing the traditional calligraphic writing with a new type face design. each features the specific service provided by the factory, paired with an auspicious word as a sign of future success. the prints are on traditional red couplet paper, with black and gold lettering and detail.  

spring, spring couplet  

happiness lathe couplet 

well-being electroplating couplet 

all three couplets

detail of ‘project 193’ by DHH studio 

lettering detail

the posters are printed with using the silkscreen process

detail of couplet surface

‘project 193’ couplets hung next to traditional couplet 

happiness couplet next to traditional couplet

spring couplet and the spring machine it depicts

printing process

prints moving through the press

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.