Shanghai, March 30, 2025 – Chinese design studio XR-HUB DESIGN and luxury lifestyle brand Blackpalace captivated attendees at Notes Shanghai 2025, the premier fragrance and aroma industry event held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center from March 29–30. The collaboration between the two innovative brands spotlighted their unreleased masterpiece, the “Xuanwu” Ceramic Incense Burner, a fusion of ancient Chinese craftsmanship and contemporary design that drew widespread acclaim from industry leaders, designers, and fragrance enthusiasts.
The Star of the Show: Xuanwu Ceramic Incense Burner
Inspired by the mythical Chinese creature Xuanwu (the Black Tortoise), a symbol of longevity and wisdom, the 香炉 (incense burner) is handcrafted by artisans in Jingdezhen, China’s porcelain capital, renowned for its 1,700-year-old ceramic heritage. The piece features intricate relief patterns and a seamless blend of matte and glossy finishes, designed to elevate fragrance experiences through its elegant form and functional airflow channels.
“The Xuanwu is more than a product—it’s a cultural narrative,” said Qianfei Hsu, Creative Director of XR-HUB DESIGN. “By merging traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, we aim to bridge ancient philosophy with today’s sensory lifestyles.”
Collaborative Success at Notes Shanghai
The exhibition marked the first public debut of Xuanwu, which quickly became a focal point of the XR-HUB DESIGN x Blackpalace booth. Visitors praised its “harmonious blend of artistry and utility,” with several luxury buyers and curators expressing interest in exclusive partnerships. International fragrance houses, including French perfume brand Parfums de Marly, highlighted the piece as a “pioneering example of cross-cultural design.”
Blackpalace Founder Weiliang Zhang noted, “Our collaboration with XR-HUB DESIGN reflects our shared vision to redefine luxury through heritage and innovation. Xuanwu embodies the essence of Notes Shanghai’s theme—East Meets West—by celebrating China’s artisanal roots while embracing global design sensibilities.”
Notes Shanghai 2025: A Platform for Innovation
Hosted in conjunction with Shanghai Fashion Week, Notes Shanghai 2025 brought together over 200 brands from 19 countries, showcasing cutting-edge fragrance technologies, rare ingredients, and cultural experiences. XR-HUB DESIGN and Blackpalace’s participation underscored the event’s role in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, with their booth featuring interactive scent installations and live ceramic-making demonstrations.
XR-Hub Design 