Greeting cards inspired by Chinese architecture

 Western Market, Hong Kong
Designer Tereza Hradilkova has created a series of pop-up cards inspired by Chinese architecture. Pictured is Western Market, Hong Kong
(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Designer Tereza Hradilkova gives snail mail a decidedly modern edge with her innovative interpretation of the classic pop-up card. Her intricately crafted greetings offer whimsical laser-cut reflections of South China cityscapes, from Hong Kong's iconic skyline to Macau's traditional landscape.

Trained as an architect, Czech-born, Hong Kong-based Hradilkova says her 'Porigami' creations were inspired by visits to Japan. 'The fabrics, stamps and paper art are simple but beautiful - especially the paper-cut works of Masahiro Chatani,' she says. She came by the word play in the name rather fortuitously: '"Pori" is my nickname and "gami" means paper in Japanese.'

The delicate structures are brought to life by vivid red architectural elements. Sophisticated details add further intrigue: in one card, a tram set against a city block captures Hong Kong's unique blend of old and new; ditto an elegant tower clad in minutely detailed bamboo scaffolding.

Each set of nine cards - available from the Sidewalk store in Hong Kong (HK$400) and the Sidewalk website - is printed on recycled card stock. Hraoilkoua also offers a larger, special-edition 'Year of the Dragon' card in time for Chinese New Year, designed with hand-carved stamps and her trademark bold red ink (HK$60). Or you can have her customise a design to your specifications.

Pop-up card of Hong Kong bamboo scaffolding

Hong Kong bamboo scaffolding

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop-up card of Year Of The Dragon

Year Of The Dragon (special edition size measures 12.5x20cm)

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop-up card of St Paul's, Macau

St Paul's, Macau

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop-up card of Hong Kong Hakka House

Hong Kong Hakka House

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop-up card of Hong Kong Island skyline

Hong Kong Island skyline

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop- up card of Hong Kong tram

Hong Kong tram

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop -up card of Macau A Ma Temple

Macau A Ma Temple

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop-up card of Peak Tower, Hong Kong

Peak Tower, Hong Kong

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop- up card of Tai O, Hong Kong

Tai O, Hong Kong

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

Pop- up card of Set of nine cards with red envelopes

Set of nine cards (8.5x13cm) with red envelopes

(Image credit: Designer Tereza Hradilkova)

ADDRESS

Sidewalk
4 - 6 Gough Street
Central
Hong Kong

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Catherine Shaw is a writer, editor and consultant specialising in architecture and design. She has written and contributed to over ten books, including award-winning monographs on art collector and designer Alan Chan, and on architect William Lim's Asian design philosophy. She has also authored books on architect André Fu, on Turkish interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, and on Beijing-based OPEN Architecture's most significant cultural projects across China.