This paper responds to the paradigm shift in intangible cultural heritage preservation from static conservation to living transmission, proposing that the revival of traditional crafts requires establishing a systematic connection between cultural authenticity and contemporary creativity. To this end, the study introduces cultural gene theory to construct a three-stage regeneration design model—“decoding-translation-evaluation”—and conducts empirical research using Song Dynasty Huitian Kiln Qingbai porcelain as a case study. Through mixed methods, it systematically analyzes the material, symbolic, and spiritual layers of cultural genes embedded in this craft, conducting design translation experiments across form, function, and narrative dimensions. Findings reveal that narrative translation grounded in spiritual-layer genes most effectively fosters consumer cultural identification and willingness to pay. This study demonstrates that cultural gene theory provides both theoretical grounding and practical pathways for the contemporary transformation of traditional crafts. It not only offers strategies for specific craft revitalization but also contributes a transferable theoretical framework for the living transmission of intangible cultural heritage.
Blackmore, S. (1999). The meme machine. Oxford University Press.
Chen, X., Li, Y., & Zhang, H. (2023). Evaluation of cultural sustainability in intangible cultural heritage product design. Sustainability, 15(5), 4201.
Chinese Silicate Society (Ed.). (2010). History of Chinese ceramics (J. Wang, Trans.). Cultural Relics Press, Beijing, China.
Dawkins, R. (1976). The selfish gene. Oxford University Press.
Distin, K. (2005). The selfish meme: A critical reassessment. Cambridge University Press.
Hu, J. (2022). From preservation to creation: Contemporary design transformation of Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain. Journal of Design History, 35(2), 156–173.
Kikuchi, Y. (2019). Transnational modern design histories in East Asia: An introduction. Journal of Design History, 32(1), 1–8.
Lee, Y. K. (2018). Storytelling in cultural heritage tourism: Creating meaningful experiences. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 13(6), 507–520.
Hao, G. N. (2025). Cultural decoding research on button knot pattern design. Tiangong (Tianjin Polytechnic University Journal), 21(21), 8–11. (In Chinese)
Lin, C. L. (2020). Integrating cultural elements into product design: A systematic review. International Journal of Design, 14(3), 1–16.
Moalosi, R., Popovic, V., & Hickling-Hudson, A. (2010). Culture-orientated product design. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 20(2), 175–190.
Norman, D. A. (2013). The design of everyday things (Rev. ed.). Basic Books.
Qin, D. (2012). Archaeology of the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Cultural Relics Press, Beijing, China. (In Chinese)
Shao, J. W. (2013). Symbols and meanings in design: A case study of Hong Kong cultural products. Zhuangshi (Decoration), 258(8), 74–76. (In Chinese)
Xie, M. L. (2012). Ceramic notes: Trajectories of thought and practice in ceramic history. Shanghai Calligraphy and Painting Publishing House, Shanghai, China. (In Chinese)
Wang, F., & Liu, Y. (2021). A closed-loop framework for intangible cultural heritage innovation design. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 11(3), 329–344.
Wu, J., Li, J., & Luo, H. (2009). Analysis of body and glaze composition of Song Dynasty Qingbai porcelain from Hutian Kiln, Jingdezhen. Journal of the Chinese Ceramic Society, 37(7), 1186–1191. (In Chinese)
Xu, H. C. (2006). Design semiotics. Tsinghua University Press, Beijing, China. (In Chinese)
Yang, L. (2021). Innovation and tradition in contemporary Jingdezhen porcelain design. Craft Research, 12(2), 179–198.
Yuan, L., & Gu, J. (2009). The study of intangible cultural heritage. Higher Education Press, Beijing, China. (In Chinese)
Zhang, W. (2021). Cultural gene extraction and application in cultural creative product design. Design Studies, 74, 101016.
Zhou, Q. (2023). Integrating memetics and material culture studies: A new approach to traditional craft innovation. Journal of Material Culture, 28(1), 78–96.
Huixiang, R., & Hasan, A. Bin. (2026). Application of Cultural Gene Theory in the Regenerative Design of Traditional Crafts: A Case Study of Song Dynasty Hutiang Kiln Qingbai Porcelain. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 16(2), 269–282.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s)
Published by Knowledge Words Publications (www.kwpublications.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
