Black and white Japanese kanji characters, with the characters in white and the background in black.

CHASING THE STARS

“CHASING THE STARS” is an original card design project inspired by the traditional Chinese Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. By extracting visual elements from ancient texts and reinterpreting them through modern aesthetics, the project transforms the complex star system into a collectible and playable card set featuring character illustrations, totem patterns, color schemes, and layout design. Each card integrates rich cultural symbolism with functionality, aiming to enhance user interaction and cultural experience.
The project explores the fusion of traditional symbols with contemporary design language, offering a fresh perspective on presenting cultural content through the medium of cards.

Showcase of Card Designs

Showcase of Card Designs

Illustration of a blue dragon humanoid figure in traditional robes, with intricate patterns, set against a starry background, framed with geometric ornamental designs and Chinese characters.
Illustration of a mythological creature with a wolf's head and humanoid body dressed in ornate armor, standing in front of a space background with geometric and celestial designs, with Chinese characters above and below.
A fantasy card featuring a humanoid figure with a deer head and antlers, dressed in ornate clothing, holding a red orb in one hand. The card has Chinese characters at the top and bottom, with a starry background and geometric decorative elements.
A mystical card depicting a deer with antlers dressed in red robes, surrounded by intricate geometric patterns and Chinese characters on a starry background.
Illustration of a mythical white tiger with a humanoid body, dressed in ornate yellow and blue armor, holding a staff in one hand and conjuring a fireball with the other, set against a starry background with decorative geometric patterns. There are Chinese characters and symbols, indicating a fantasy or mythological theme.
A fantasy illustration of a humanoid tiger warrior with gold armor, holding a spear, against a cosmic background with stars. Chinese characters are above and below him.
An intricate illustration of a mythological creature with the body of a horse, wings, and a bird head, adorned in yellow, black, and blue costume, holding a spear. The background is starry and decorated with blue and gold geometric patterns, with Chinese characters and symbols.
Artwork featuring a humanoid dragon creature with horns and scales, dressed in elaborate green and black garments, holding a small figure, set against a cosmic background with geometric patterns and Chinese characters.
A digital illustration featuring a humanoid bird creature with a crown, wings, and traditional robes, holding a circular emblem with a bird symbol. The background is a starry space scene with a green and red decorative frame and Chinese characters.

Azure Dragon of the East

A fantastical illustration of a blue dragon warrior in armor, holding a sword, standing against a starry cosmic background, with Chinese characters and decorative geometric patterns.
Illustration of a mythical tiger-headed humanoid dragon spirit wearing traditional robes, holding a sword, with a background of stars and geometric patterns.

Vermilion Bird of the South

Illustration of a figure with a goat's head dressed in traditional robes, standing in the center of an ornate, framed background with starry space, Chinese characters and geometric patterns.
A fantasy illustration of a humanoid tiger warrior in armor wielding weapons, standing in front of a geometric background with stars and Japanese characters, with additional Japanese text at the bottom.
A mythological creature with the body of a snake, the head and wings of a bird, and a human torso, depicted with detailed scales, feathers, and muscular features, set against a decorative background with Chinese characters at the top and bottom.

White Tiger of the West

A stylized illustration of a mythological creature with the body of a human and the head of a tiger, holding a staff, surrounded by ornate geometric patterns and star motifs, with Chinese characters and additional symbols.

Black Tortoise of the North

An illustration of an anthropomorphic tiger with a bull's head, dressed in traditional robes, standing against a cosmic background with stars. The image features Chinese characters and decorative elements in a fantasy style.
Illustration of a humanoid creature with a leopard's head and a muscular body, dressed in robes and jewelry, standing on a cosmic background. The creature holds a blue sphere in one hand. There are Chinese characters above its head and a banner below with more Chinese characters.
A digitally illustrated card featuring a humanoid kangaroo dressed in traditional Asian attire, surrounded by intricate geometric and floral designs with stars in the background.
A stylized illustration of a humanoid creature with a bird-like head, wings, and elaborate golden armor, set against a cosmic background with geometric and star motifs, and Japanese characters at the top and bottom.
A fantasy illustration of a winged, anthropomorphic feline warrior in armor, flying in front of an ornate, mystical background with Chinese characters and geometric patterns.
Illustration of a warrior with a tiger face, green and black clothing, holding a spear, set against a starry background with Chinese characters and decorative borders.
An illustrated humanoid rabbit figure dressed in traditional Asian-inspired clothing, holding a spear, with decorative patterns and Chinese characters, set against a cosmic background.
Illustration of a mythological creature with a horse's head and human body, dressed in ornate clothing and holding a staff, surrounded by zodiac signs and Chinese characters.
A digital illustration of a mythological figure with a dragon-like face, wearing traditional warrior clothing, holding a trident, set against a cosmic background with geometric decorative elements and Chinese characters. The Chinese characters at the top say "Shui Zhuan" and the characters at the bottom say "Southern Phoenix."
A mystical illustration of a humanoid tiger with the head of a tiger and a lion's body, dressed in a yellow robe with blue accents, holding a yellow sphere in their left paw. The background features a starry night sky, ornate border designs, and Chinese characters.
Illustration of a humanoid tiger with a beast-like face, standing in a warrior stance, wearing ornate armor and traditional clothing, set against a cosmic background with decorative geometric borders and Chinese characters.
Illustration of a humanoid rat warrior with a bow and arrow, dressed in green, surrounded by decorative elements with Chinese characters and star patterns, set against a starry background.
A stylized illustration featuring a dragon humanoid figure with green and dark blue colors, dressed in traditional robes, holding a sword, and surrounded by a decorative frame with Asian symbols and a starry background.

"The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions Interpretation Manual"

To complement the card set, a companion booklet was designed to systematically present the historical background, cultural symbolism, and modern interpretations of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, helping users gain deeper insight into the meaning behind each card.

An artistic depiction of a cosmic scene featuring colorful, mythical tiger and dragon illustrations surrounded by stars and celestial elements with Chinese characters.
A digital illustration depicts a cosmic scene with stars and planets in black, white, and gray shades. There is a measuring scale overlay with plotted data points and curves, suggesting a scientific context related to space or astronomy.
A black-and-white diagram illustrating a Chinese astrology chart, with columns and Chinese characters, complemented by illustrations of fireworks in the background.
A light-colored, celestial-themed background featuring swirling clouds, stars, and radiant sunburst designs with a mystical and dreamy aesthetic.
An illustration of a mythological figure with a deer head and human body, dressed in elaborate robes and jewelry, holding a red orb, set against a cosmic background with stars, planets, and star patterns.
A humanoid figure with the head of a horse dressed in ancient armor, holding a sword, standing in space with stars and planets in the background.
A detailed illustration of a red, armored, humanoid figure with a crown and a trident, standing against a starry space background with planets and galaxies.
An illustration of a humanoid figure with a bird-like head, wearing ornate armor with golden and blue accents. The figure has large wings and stands against a starry universe background with planets and galaxies.
Illustration of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Chinese mythology, in space with stars and planets around him. He is dressed in traditional armor, holding a staff, with a monkey face and tail visible.
A two-column page of Chinese text with section headings, paragraphs, and bullet points, possibly from a manual or guide discussing travel, exploration, or personal growth.
A page of text in Chinese on a light gray background with white swirling patterns and star-like designs.
A detailed illustration of a humanoid figure with a dragon or animal-like head, wearing robes with intricate patterns, standing against a cosmic background with stars and planets.
An illustration of a mythological figure with a dragon's head, standing against a starry sky with planets and galaxies. The figure is dressed in traditional armor with blue and gold accents, holding a sword, and surrounded by cosmic elements.
An illustrated character with a wolf's head dressed in ornate armor standing in space with stars and a galaxy in the background.
Illustration of a humanoid tiger with a human body and tiger head, dressed in ancient Chinese robes, holding a sword, against a background of stars and galaxies.
Illustration of a mythical bird-like figure dressed in traditional green robes with large feathered wings, holding a small glowing bird in its hand and standing against a starry space background with planets and galaxies.
A page of text in Chinese over a light gray background with white star-like celestial illustrations.
Page with Chinese text overlaying a gray background with white swirling patterns and star-like designs.
A printed page in Chinese with two columns of text, including headings and paragraph descriptions.
A black-and-white page of text in Chinese characters, divided into two columns with various sections and bullet points, accompanied by a small border around the page.
A black-and-white page split into two columns containing Chinese text about cultural and philosophical concepts, including definitions, interpretations, and applicable scenarios, with numbered sections and bullet points.
A two-page spread of text in Chinese, with the left page containing explanations about card readings and the right page discussing the symbolic meaning of a turtle dwelling.
A page from a book with Chinese text, divided into two sections with a vertical line in the middle. The left section contains text and the right section contains more Chinese text and some keywords at the bottom.
A page of text in Chinese, divided into two sections, with the right section having a heading and paragraph, and the left section containing multiple paragraphs and bulleted points.
Chinese text divided into two columns with headings and bullet points, discussing interpretations of cards and philosophical concepts.
Chinese document with two sections of text about a cultural concept, possibly related to traditional Chinese beliefs or practices, with Chinese characters and some English keywords at the bottom.
A background of a starry night sky with swirling clouds and shining stars, overlaid with Chinese text.
An anthropomorphic wolf dressed in traditional fantasy armor, holding a sword, with a smaller animal inside robes, floating in outer space among stars, planets, and galaxies.
An artistic illustration of a tiger-headed humanoid figure with a sturdy build, wearing traditional robes with intricate dragons and cloud-like designs, standing in outer space among stars and planetary rings, with flowing hair and smoke-like aura.
An artistic illustration of a humanoid goat or ram dressed in traditional Chinese attire, standing in space with stars and planets around, with a red Chinese character plaque on the left.
Illustration of a humanoid deer figure with antlers, dressed in traditional robes, sitting in a space scene with stars, planets, and a galaxy in the background.
Illustration of a mythological creature with a wolf's head, human body, and snake-like features, equipped with armor and weapons, standing in outer space with galaxies and stars in the background.
Illustration of a mythical creature with a bird-like face, long ears, and a lion's tail, dressed in traditional gold and blue robes, holding a yellow orb, set against a starry cosmic background with planets and galaxies.
Illustration of a humanoid lion dressed as a martial artist, standing in space with stars and galaxies in the background.
A fantasy illustration of a humanoid wolf with bat-like wings, wearing ornate green armor, floating in space against a backdrop of stars, planets, and swirling galaxy patterns.
A drawing of a mythical creature with the body of a human and the head of a boar, dressed in traditional armor, holding a spear, set against a cosmic backdrop of stars and galaxies.
A page written in Chinese with instructions on card drawing and reflection techniques, over a light background with celestial patterns including stars, spirals, and radiating lines.
A two-page document with Chinese text, including a section titled '卡牌解读' and another with Chinese characters and some English words like 'symbol' and 'meaning.' The right page also contains a heading with Chinese characters and additional Chinese paragraphs.
A Chinese text document discussing the meaning and interpretation of a mythological site called '尾宿' (Wei Su), including background, symbolism, application, and key themes such as strength, protection, decision-making, and perseverance.
A two-page document in Chinese, with the left page titled '卡解解读' discussing the interpretation of the card and the right page titled '鬼宿(鬼金羊)' providing details about a specific card, including cultural background, symbolism, and application scenarios.
A printed page with Chinese text, divided into two columns with headings, paragraphs, and bullet points, including a section on Zhang Zhaoru and explanations about cultural concepts and applicable scenarios.
A scanned page from a book or document with Chinese text covering multiple topics, divided into two columns on a white background. The left column discusses card interpretation, including upright and reversed meanings, personal growth, and lifestyle tips. The right column explains the concept of the 'shelter' card, its cultural background, significance, and applications, with a few keywords listed at the bottom.
A two-page document in Chinese with text discussing interpretation and meaning of certain terms, along with guidance and cultural background.
This image shows two pages of text written in Chinese, formatted in two columns. The left column contains sections about positive and reverse interpretations, life tips, and guidelines, while the right column provides an explanation of a historical or cultural topic related to a place called '参宿' (Han She). At the bottom of the right page, there are keywords listed.
Page of a book or document with Chinese text and a decorative background of celestial patterns, including stars and swirls.
An illustrated humanoid rabbit dressed in blue and grey robes, holding a spear, floating in space with stars and planets in the background.
An illustration of a anthropomorphic tiger with a humanoid body and a tiger's head, dressed in traditional Asian attire, standing in space with stars, galaxies, planets, and nebulae in the background.
A page with Chinese text overlayed on a background of swirling patterns and starbursts, giving a celestial or cosmic appearance.
A page of Chinese text organized into two columns, discussing the meaning of a certain symbol or concept.
A page from a Chinese book or document with two sections of text, each in a bordered box, containing Chinese characters and keywords at the bottom.
A two-column document with Chinese text. The left column contains text about animal shelter interpretation, including positive and cautious interpretations, with guidelines on mental and physical health and emotional well-being. The right column provides information about a traditional Chinese shelter, including its historical background, cultural significance, and symbolism of protection, boundaries, and wisdom, along with suggested scenarios for its use and keywords at the bottom.
Anthropomorphic kangaroo dressed in traditional Japanese clothing standing in space with galaxies and stars in the background.
An artistic depiction of a mythical creature with a lion's body, a human face, large wings, and a snake coiled around its neck, floating in space with stars and galaxies in the background.
An illustration of a humanoid figure with a fox head dressed in ornate armor, holding a spear, set against a starry space background with planets and galaxies.
An illustration of a winged, humanoid creature with animal features, dressed in elaborate, golden armor with blue accents, holding a spear, floating in space against a backdrop of stars, planets, and galaxies.
An illustration of a mythical creature resembling a dragon with human-like features, dressed in robes and jewelry, standing against a starry space background with planets and galaxies.
An illustration of a mouse dressed as an astronaut, wielding a bow and arrow, floating in space among stars, planets, and galaxies.
Illustration of a dragon-headed figure dressed in green robes standing in space with stars, planets, and a galaxy swirling in the background.
A two-page document written in Chinese, discussing the interpretation of cards, accommodation, and cultural introduction in traditional Chinese culture.
Two pages of text printed in Chinese, formatted with headings and bullet points, discussing methods of interpretation and understanding.
Page 25 from a book or document, containing Chinese text discussing topics related to a castle or dwelling named 柳宿 (Liu Su), its cultural significance, role in communication, and interpretation. The text also includes guidance on reading and understanding the content.
A two-page spread of a document with text in Chinese, divided into sections with headings and bullet points.
A page from a Chinese text document, divided into two columns. The left column contains guidelines and advice about trust and stability, while the right column explains the symbolism and meaning of a white tiger constellation, including its cultural significance and application in home and business settings.
A two-page document with Chinese text. The left page contains sections titled '正位解读', '逆位解读', and '生活启示'. The right page includes an introduction about the fifth palace, its cultural significance, and explanation of the concept, with keywords at the bottom.
A page from a book or document containing Chinese text, formatted into two columns, with some sections bulleted and a page number at the bottom right corner.
A two-page spread in Chinese with text and headings related to esoteric concepts and spiritual growth, with the right page featuring a title and paragraph explaining a location and its cultural significance.
A two-page spread of Chinese text, with the right page containing more detailed paragraphs and the left page featuring key points and subheadings.

To enrich the overall experience, this project also includes a range of peripheral products such as themed posters, postcards, and packaging design, further extending the visual identity and application possibilities of the "CHASING THE STARS" cultural card set.

Wall with four colorful banners featuring Chinese zodiac animals: a blue dragon, a yellow tiger, a red phoenix, and a green turtle. A blurred person walks past in front of the wall, and a white bicycle leans against it.
Illustration of a blue dragon with scales and horns, set against a patterned background with Chinese characters and symbols, including a glowing star-like shape and a faint dragon silhouette.
A colorful poster featuring Chinese characters, a wolf's head illustration, and decorative elements on a blue background. The main text is in yellow and blue, with additional Chinese characters and symbols around.
Illustration of a tiger's face with Chinese characters, decorative symbols, and colorful background resembling a traditional scroll or banner.
Colorful Chinese New Year poster with a dog illustration at the top, Chinese characters in red and yellow, decorative borders, and symbols indicating good luck and wishes for success and happiness.
A colorful Chinese poster featuring a reindeer head illustration at the top with a red nose and antlers, surrounded by Chinese characters and decorative elements such as stars and dots, with the central message in yellow characters: "Good Heart, Good Emotions".
Illustration of a mythical creature with a lion's body and a dragon's head, wielding a sword, dressed in armor with intricate details, set against a digital-themed background with Chinese characters and symbolic elements.
A digitally illustrated character with a wolf's head, adorned in ornate yellow and gold armor, holding a staff with a flame and a glowing orb, standing in front of a yellow background with Chinese characters and decorative elements.
Stylized depiction of a mythological creature with a deer's head, human body, and multiple arms, wearing traditional armor and jewelry, standing against a patterned red background with Chinese characters and symbols.
A stylized illustration of a humanoid bull dressed in green robes with gold accents, holding a staff, set against a patterned green background with Chinese characters and symbols.
Illustration of a humanoid wolf warrior in ancient armor, holding a dagger, set against a blue patterned background with Chinese characters and symbols.
Illustration of a humanoid figure with a cat's head, dressed in ornate gold armor with blue accents, holding a spear. The background features a patterned design with floating pearls and Asian characters.
A digital illustration of a mythical creature with human and goat features dressed in traditional Chinese attire, surrounded by Chinese characters and symbols on a red background.
Illustration of a fierce, anthropomorphic lion-faced creature with dragon features, dressed in elaborate clothing, standing on two legs, surrounded by Chinese symbols and a stylized background with a geometric pattern and floating green spheres. The composition includes Chinese text and decorative elements.
A display booth with various colorful prints, cards, and merchandise related to Chinese mythology or folklore, with text in Chinese characters. Two women are browsing the items. The background features posters with illustrations of characters and creatures.
Display booth with various cards, flags, and artwork of Chinese zodiac signs, featuring dragons and other mythical creatures. The backdrop includes detailed Chinese text and illustrations of zodiac animals.

Poster Design

An illustration of a white tiger with blue stripes standing in front of a yellow background with Chinese characters and symbols. The tiger appears fierce with its mouth open and claws extended. There are decorative elements, including circles, stars, and a small tiger icon. Chinese text is present at the top and bottom of the image, with some of the text emphasizing characteristics like courage, decisiveness, and severity.
A colorful, cartoon-style Chinese poster with a smiling dog head at the top, surrounded by Chinese characters and decorative elements, likely celebrating a festival or good fortune.
Illustration of a mythical creature with a humanoid body and a feline head, dressed in traditional Asian attire, holding large weapon-like objects, with a background influenced by modern digital and fantasy themes.
A stylized illustration of a mythological creature with a humanoid body and an eagle head, adorned with elaborate armor and robes in gold and yellow tones, with a background of geometric patterns and Chinese characters.
A colorful, stylized illustration of a phoenix with detailed feathers in red, blue, and purple, set against a red background with Chinese text and symbols. The phoenix has outstretched wings and a long, elaborate tail.

Based on the Sixteen Auspicious Stars

Colorful Chinese New Year greeting card with a cartoon pig illustration, decorative Chinese characters, and symbols of good luck and health, celebrating the Year of the Pig.
A colorful poster with a blue background and yellow elements, featuring a Chinese dragon illustration, Chinese characters, and decorative stars and lines.
A colorful drawing featuring a goat with large horns and flowers on its head at the top center. There are various Chinese characters surrounding it, with the main text in the middle reading "升職加薪" which means "promotion and pay raise." Other surrounding text includes phrases about employment, brainpower, and young people. There are decorative elements like stars, circles, and flowers on a blue background.
An illustrated character with a horse's head wearing a mask, dressed in traditional and fantasy armor, holding a sword, set against a patterned background with Chinese characters and symbols.
A digitally illustrated creature with the body of a humanoid, wings, and a wolf-like face, dressed in green armor, in a dynamic pose. The background features abstract shapes, symbols, and Chinese characters, with a primarily green color scheme.
Pink background with a white rabbit illustration at the top, surrounded by Chinese characters in yellow and purple, decorative stars, and a central white cloud-like shape with purple Chinese characters.
A colorful illustration with Chinese characters, a drawing of a dog, and decorative elements like stars and flourish designs, suggesting a festive or celebratory theme.
Colorful packaging with Chinese text, a cartoon bird character with a crown, and decorative elements. The main text in yellow says "Confidence Stick," with additional Chinese text around it.
Colorful poster with Chinese characters, a horse illustration at the top, and a central area with text. The background is bright yellow with decorative elements.

Postcard Set Design

Illustration of a humanoid tiger with a tiger head and a human body wearing traditional Asian clothing, standing confidently with one hand on its hip and the other holding a swirling staff. The background features digital and cosmic elements with Chinese characters and zodiac symbols.
A fantasy illustration of a humanoid rat dressed in traditional Asian robes in yellow and blue, holding a yellow orb, standing on a patterned background with Chinese characters and symbols.
An illustration of a humanoid figure with a deer head, antlers, and a tiger tattoo on their stomach, dressed in traditional red and orange Chinese robes. The background features red symbols, patterns, and Chinese characters, with a dragon symbol at the bottom and decorative elements surrounding the figure.
Illustration of a humanoid mouse warrior with mechanical elements, wielding a sword, standing against a digital background with Chinese characters, a dragon symbol, and a green color theme.
An illustration of a humanoid figure with a dragon's head, wearing traditional robes with intricate designs and dragon motifs. The background features geometric patterns and symbols in shades of blue, with Chinese characters and decorative elements.
A fictional illustration of a bird-headed warrior with large wings, wearing golden armor and holding a spear, set against a yellow background with Chinese characters and patterns.
A digital illustration featuring a humanoid deer with antlers, dressed in traditional Asian robes, sitting with hands resting on knees. The background is pink with geometric and floral patterns, red Chinese characters, and a stylized dragon. Decorative beads and symbols are also present.
A humanoid bird with black feathers, wearing traditional green Asian robes with a red sash, holding a green orb with a bird symbol, with large black wings and a long beak, standing against a green patterned background with Chinese characters and symbols.

Exhibition Display Images

Two colorful tarot cards hanging on a display, one orange with a phoenix illustration and Chinese characters, and one green with a tortoise and snake illustration with Chinese characters, surrounded by informational posters and other cards.
Colorful anime-style character standees on a table at a convention or store, with manga or art prints in the background.
A digitally stylized illustration of a mythical creature combining a snake and a turtle, with a snake's head and a turtle's body, on a green background with Chinese characters and decorative elements, resembling a poster or book cover.
Colorful Chinese New Year red envelope with dragon illustration and Chinese characters on green background.
A colorful Chinese-themed drawing featuring a leopard, constellation symbols, and Chinese characters. Text in yellow and orange celebrating wealth and good fortune.
Pink poster with Chinese characters, a drawing of a goat wearing a crown, and various decorative colorful elements.
Decorative Chinese New Year card featuring a purple dragon, Chinese characters, and colorful accents.
Illustration of a mythological creature with a humanoid body and a leopard head, adorned in ornate clothing and jewelry, holding a blue orb in one hand, surrounded by blue symbols and Chinese characters on a light blue background.
A stylized illustration of a mythical humanoid figure with a lion face, monkey body, and tail, dressed in traditional Asian warrior attire, holding a staff. The background features a gold pattern with Chinese characters and symbols, including a tiger and decorative elements.
A mythical creature with the body of a snake, the wings of a bird, and the head of a spider, standing against a pink background with red and green decorative elements and Chinese characters.
Illustration of a mythological figure with a bull head, standing with a spear against a green background with symbolic patterns and Japanese characters.
An illustrated character with a rabbit's head dressed in traditional fantasy robes, holding a chain in one hand and a spear in the other, set against a blue patterned background with Chinese characters and symbolic elements.
An illustration of a humanoid lion figure in traditional warrior armor, standing with a confident pose against a golden background with geometric patterns and decorative elements.
An illustration of a mythical, demon-like character holding a spear, dressed in traditional robes with intricate details, set against a red background with patterns and Chinese text.
A green-themed mythological or fantasy creature with a dragon-like head, a long neck, and a humanoid body dressed in traditional robes, standing with a sword held upright. The background features symbols, patterns, and Chinese characters.
Colorful paper fortune slips with Chinese characters and illustrations of a tiger and a dragon, spread out on a white surface.
Colorful illustrated paper bills or cards with traditional Japanese or Chinese characters and warrior images, arranged on a surface.