Concept
«Mushroom Spirits» — 菌灵 (Jūnlíng) is a collection of 3D-printed art toys, released as blind boxes. The project merges expressive forms of Asian mushrooms with imagery from Chinese mythology and original creator legends.
The blind box format allows the wearer to carry their hero with them, uniting a collectible toy inspired by Asian culture with a personal accessory.
Silver Guardian — 银卫 (Yínwèi)
The character’s basis is Termitomyces, a fungus that lives in symbiosis with termites. This natural connection inspired the image of a guardian for a small underground community.
The Silver Sentinel is an original character, not a specific Chinese deity. Its broad, flat cap resembles protective headwear, and the gray, milky, and golden details evoke the figure of a warrior. The hero symbolizes reliability, mutual aid, and protection.
Prototype — Termite King, an original character / Prototype form — Termitomyces, known in China as Zizun.
Peach Old Man — 桃翁 (Táowēng)
The character merges the form of Eringi with the image of Shou Xing—the Chinese deity of longevity. He is often depicted as an aged sage holding a staff and a peach, symbolizing a long life.
The mushroom has a sturdy stem and a round cap adorned with peaches. The red decoration on the stem resembles traditional robes. The peach-bearing elder is a calm and benevolent figure associated with care, wisdom, and longevity.
Prototype — Show-Shing, deity of longevity / Form prototype — Eringi mushroom
Fox Fire — 狐火 (Húhuǒ)
The character is inspired by the Huli Jing—a shapeshifting fox spirit from Chinese mythology, renowned for its ability to change form. In different tales, fox spirits can be both benevolent and dangerous.For this collection, we selected a playful and curious temperament. The fox’s reddish hue and the wavy edges of her hat evoke fox fur and tails. The image is connected to resourcefulness, transformation, and adaptability.
Prototype — Fox Shapeshifter, Hui-Jing / Form Prototype — Chanterelle mushroom
Cloud Weaver — 织云 (Zhīyún)
At the core of the character is the bamboo mushroom and Zhinyou, the celestial weaver from the Chinese legend of the Shepherd and the Weaver. She is renowned for her weaving mastery and is connected to the Qixi Festival. The delicate lattice of the mushroom resembles fine fabric, making it the primary element of her design. Blue clouds, stars, and ribbon-like patterns support the celestial theme. The character symbolizes creativity, patience, and manual craftsmanship.
Prototype — Zhiñüi, the celestial weaver from the Chinese legend of the Shepherd and the Weaver / Prototype form — bamboo mushroom
Moon Spirit — 月灵 (Yuèlíng)
Lunar Spirit—a character inspired by the snow fungus tremella and the image of Chang’e, the Chinese Moon Goddess.Legend says she achieved immortality and settled on the Moon. The white, pleated cap, delicate cool tones, and lunar patterns convey this connection. The design merges the recognizable shape of the fungus with motifs from Chinese mythology.
Prototype — Chang’e, the Moon Goddess / Prototype Form — Tremella, or Snow Fungus
Jade Dragon — 玉龙 (Yùlóng)
A character based on the shiitake mushroom and the image of Lun Wan, the Chinese Dragon King, master of waters and rain.The brown cap with light fissures retains the mushroom’s characteristic features. The dragon, green scales, and cloud patterns reference the mythological prototype. In this collection, the character embodies the power of water and rain—essential for growth.
Prototype — the likeness of Lunwan, the Chinese Dragon King / Prototype shape — shiitake
Blind Box Concept