Enhancing Product Design Value through Tang Dynasty Bohai Tribe Cultural Heritage Artifacts in the Bohai Shangjing Museum, People's Republic of China

Abstract

Dia This study explores the integration of cultural heritage artifacts from the Tang Dynasty Bohai Tribe, housed in the Bohai Shangjing Ruins Museum, into modern product design to enhance design value. The Bohai Kingdom, a significant regional power in Northeast Asia during the Tang Dynasty, boasts a rich cultural heritage characterized by the fusion of Central Plains culture and indigenous Northeast Asian traditions. However, its cultural legacy remains underrepresented in contemporary cultural and creative (CC) product markets, with existing offerings suffering from homogeneity, superficial cultural engagement, and limited market appeal.

Through a mixed-methods research approach encompassing literature review, case studies, fieldwork, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys, this study identifies core cultural elements of Bohai artifacts—including architectural motifs, artistic patterns, craftsmanship techniques, and symbolic meanings. Drawing on semiotic theory, artistic theory, and cultural stratification theory, the research develops a framework for transforming these cultural elements into innovative design solutions. The study evaluates the effectiveness of cultural integration, innovative transformation, and dissemination in CC product design, aiming to provide actionable strategies for the Bohai Shangjing Ruins Museum to develop distinctive, culturally resonant products.

Findings reveal that successful CC product design must balance historical authenticity with modern functionality and aesthetic preferences, leveraging digital technologies and cross-border collaborations to expand reach. By excavating the deep cultural connotations of Bohai artifacts and adopting user-centric design principles, museums can create CC products that serve as both cultural communication vehicles and economic drivers, fostering greater public awareness and preservation of Bohai cultural heritage.