Year of the Horse
Blessings of the Home.
For the Year of The Horse, House of Forme’s tradition of self-initiated red packets continues. Moving beyond literal representation, we reinterpret and inject a layered meaning to this year’s zodiac sign.
Distinct from the predictable palettes of stereotypical red packets, the set consists of 18 packets spanning three designs. Each variation draws its essence from the Year of The Horse, brought to life through an unexpected alchemy between cultural heritage and domestic objects.
To embody our commitment to sustainability, each red packet is made in FSC-certified paper and the holder is crafted from recyclable materials.
Heaven to Earth.
To celebrate the tradition of Lunar New Year, we have drawn inspiration from a revered figure in Chinese mythology, Tianma, the “Heavenly Horse”. Defined by an ethereal, shimmering coat and magnificent wings, this mystical creature bridges heaven and earth. Its glorious presence makes it the perfect messenger of the Jade Emperor, bearing messages to maintain harmony throughout the universe.
The emblem of this year’s red packet is a circling constellation of Tianma. This whimsical loop seals an endless cycle of energy and rhythmic vitality into the design. While Tianma is traditionally associated with good fortune, freedom, loyalty and courage, we took the concept further by investigating the relationship between horses and the home, an exploration to fuse the two pillars of House of Forme: branding and objects/ interior design.
The Blossom, The Guard & The Music.
The three distinct household objects depicted on the red packets connect to the Year of The Horse in unique ways:
The first features a porcelain vase, a classic object in the traditional Asian home. Reimagined with delicate floral and horse patterns, its presence evokes a sense of composure and refinement. As a bearer of flowers, the vase serves as a cradle for life, bringing vitality into the room. Its connection to a full bloom extends the joy and bliss of this bustling festival to the receiver.
To create a porcelain-like texture, pearlescent paper provides a smooth, reflective surface, decorated with gloss UV details. This glassy finish catches light beautifully, transforming a traditional red packet into a luxurious piece that echoes the vase’s role as a vessel for abundant wealth. Complemented by a jade-green backdrop, its tranquil imagery acts as a heartfelt blessing for hearth and harmony.
Guarding the threshold of a traditional home, the horse-head doorknob inspires the second piece in the series. Often presented as a pair, it is far more than a decoration. It is a guardian, protecting the household from unwelcome energies while welcoming peace and safety. It also represents an awakening; with every knock against the door, it stirs the home to life, ushering in a fresh surge of vitality, fame and wealth into the house.
To bring this architectural element to life, the packet utilises precise, multi-layered 3D embossing to capture the physical weight and sculptural depth of the heavy bronze hardware. Accented with shimmering gold foil, the opulence of the metalwork is artfully recreated on a premium paper stock. A bespoke front-opening structure is meticulously designed to complete the theme, mirroring the movement of a door knocker, inviting prestige into their hands.
In celebration of traditional art, the third packet features the Morin Khuur, a traditional Mongolian string instrument. Also known as the horsehead fiddle for its sculpted horse’s head scroll, the instrument is a representation of the deep connection between horses and the nomadic life. The bond of Mongolians with this loyal creature is transformed into a physical work of art and a vessel of melody. It is an invitation to find poetry in the everyday life and move to the rhythm of life.
The sculpted equine scroll and refined patterns of the Morin Khuur on the red packet are highlighted with a holographic shimmer, adding a touch of whimsy into the soulful instrument. The shifting colours appear to dance and vibrate off the paper, mimicking musical notes dancing to the melodic rhythm. The striking contrast between the futuristic holographic finish against the rustic, organic wooden textures of the traditional instrument celebrates the coexistence of historical tradition and modern artistic expression.
The Unlocking of Blessings.
The structural packaging that houses these blessings is meticulously designed to resemble a traditional wooden cabinet. Secured by a lock at the opening, the act of unlocking the box is like revealing a box of treasure. It implies the release of overflowing blessings, filling the home with prosperity while acclaiming the new year. Upon opening, the red packets are arranged in a tiered, staircase format. This layout allows for easy display and retrieval while embodying the traditional blessing of ‘stepping up to new heights’, symbolising rising prosperity and success.
Finished in an oxidized bronze hue and treated with a matte soft-touch lamination, the box has a cold, heavy handfeel that evokes a cool, stone-like metallic texture. Differing from disposable packaging, this piece is designed as a premium, high-end collectable, transforming the unboxing experience into a ceremonial ritual.
Moment
2026
Industry
Festive, Lifestyle, Corporate
