Time for a tiger

FROM muscular beast to whimsical creature, the tiger shows up in myriad ways on Chinese New Year red packets. And if you're looking for tiger accents for the home, check out these cool selections.

Tiger (rug) bao

Design firm Foreign Policy Design says its Tiger (Rug) Bao was borne out of their hope for 2022 after a washed out 2020 and 2021."We want to shove 2021 under the rug and go bravely at 2022 with huge roars, yet also taking life with lightheartedness and humour," says co-founder Yah-Leng Yu. The pack comes with six tigers, which can be used as ang baos, or as a mini rug or coaster.

Tiger in the jungle

This being a season of sharing blessings, investment firm Schroders encourages all to preserve, reclaim, and restore the splendour of the environment and community around us. Its ang bao for 2022 comes in vibrant colours to paint a future rich with blooming foliage and energetic wildlife that encourages recipients to appreciate nature. Each piece is also produced on eco-friendly paper that has been harvested in a responsible manner.

Prosperity mountain

Each year, lifestyle brand Scene Shang goes for a modern take on the traditional red packet. This time, they have drawn inspiration from the tiger and its auspicious symbolism. "The Tiger speaks of strength, courageously taking on the day to bring peace and prosperity into our homes," says co-founder Pamela Ting, of the family of tigers on a mountain.

Feline fiesta

Homegrown stationery brand, Papercranes Design turns traditional red packets into works of art that you might not want to give away. Founder and designer Aerilynn Tan has ang baos that come adorned with lively tigers prancing amongst lush florals and a festive greeting.

Tiger cubs

Award-winning designer Theseus Chan puts forth a tiger cub's playfulness in his design of the ang bao for Kids 21. A smiling cub with a cut out tongue features on one design, while the other is of stripes with a tiger peeking out on the inside.

Tiger with wings

Contemporary art gallery Ode to Art collaborated with renowned Thai artist Phannapast to create the Tiger with Wings ang bao. Preparing to lift off with a pair of wings infused with Chinese elements, and a gold ingot on its back, the majestic creature is a symbolism for strength and power in achieving 2022's goals and aspirations.

Poised with charm

Fashion label Burberry's red packet features the majestic tiger sitting with its front paws out and with a red scarf on its neck. The same print can also be found on its Year of the Tiger apparel collection which includes shirts, dresses and sweaters.

Off to a prosperous start

For the year of the tiger, Salvatore Ferragamo invited Chinese artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu to create a print featuring the tiger which symbolises bravery, passion and safety. Besides red packets, this same tiger is also on its fine silk foulard.

Paper tiger

The Gucci Tiger collection is the fashion brand's nod to the zodiac animal, with a line of ready-to-wear and accessories based on a 60s illustration by artist Vittorio Accornero and reinterpreted by creative director Alessandro Michele. Make your own ang bao fashion statement with these printed red packets that are understated on the outside but open up to reveal the tiger in all its elaborate glory. There's a strong chance these ang baos will be coveted more than what's inside.

Animal beauty

A powerful image of a leaping tiger adorns luxury watch brand IWC's red packets made out of sustainable FSC paper which comes from responsibly managed forests. They come in a solid ridged paper box that resembles a shipping container like what was used in its Big Pilot global campaign. You'll see the same tiger reflected in the flagship store's window display too, welcoming Chinese New Year with a mighty roar.

Tigers in the home

These ornaments add a festive touch to all spaces throughout the year.

Tiger surprise

Serve up yu sheng or nian gao on this iron tray and give guests a little surprise at the end. French design brand, Gangzai, is always known for their offbeat humour.

Gangzai masktiger tray, S$118. Available from Journey East.

Sit back in comfort

Dress up the sofa with these satin cushions. A family of tigers gathers on a mountain top amidst lush greenery, symbolising harmony and vitality. Auspicious red clay and gold coins adorn the cliff while the waterfall nearby represents wealth. Available in plum blossom pink or emperor yellow.

Prosperity mountain cushions, S$88. Available from Scene Shang.

Kanpai to the New Year

Sake lovers, regardless of whether they are born in the year of the tiger or otherwise, will want to get their hands on this limited edition Bijofu Tokubetsu Honjozo Eto 2022 that comes in a tiger-shaped bottle. The sake has been specially brewed for this tiger year, and can be drunk cold or warm and pairs well with fish and meat dishes.

Zodiac sake package, S$338. Available from atomi.

Roaring ahead

Designed by one of China's top sculptors Xu Xiao Yong, the White Tiger shows pride, valour and ferocity. Xu's expertise in crafting is best seen in the tiger's powerful muscles that ripple under its pelt, making it appear almost life-like. While fierce, the tiger is also known to show yin characteristics such as prudence and care, traits which are important for business.

White tiger, S$2,200. Available from Royal Selangor.

All set to glow

Gold is always auspicious which makes this golden tiger a much coveted item this year. It is made using Kutani porcelain and layered with gold leaf.

Gold tiger, S$148. Available from Takumi Artisans.