Dong Yangzhi creates the character “Fu”! The Year of the Dog’s top-scholar cake has artistic flair

Whoosh—less than a month to go until the Year of the Dog leaps in with a bark-bark celebration of the new year ahead. Besides feeling joyful, speaking auspicious words, and soaking up festive cheer to attract good fortune, you can also pray for a prosperous new year. For 21 years now, Eslite has collaborated with artist Teacher Dong Yangzhi to create the character “Fu.” This year, her brushstroke depiction of the character features simple yet steady lines, reflecting the warmth and groundedness of the Year of the Dog. To enjoy and share in the blessings, Eslite has integrated Teacher Dong Yangzhi’s calligraphic “Fu” into traditional pastries, launching a “Eslite Fu Gift” that combines delicious taste with artistry—like the long-popular “Futian Tile Roast Pastry Gift Box,” created annually in collaboration with Kobayashi Crackers.

The “Futian Tile Roast Pastry Gift Box,” an annual collaboration between Eslite and Kobayashi Crackers. (Provided by Eslite)

This year, in partnership with the century-old Taichung bakery “Lin Jinsheng Xiang,” Eslite has launched the “Perfect Ten Top-Scholar Cake Gift Box.” In addition to traditional flavors such as almond, mung bean, and black sesame, there’s a brand-new flavor—“Tender Pink Plum”—offering a refreshing taste, along with a central Taiwan specialty: the mochi-like flavor reminiscent of matcha.

The “Doggy Wang Year” red envelope favored by dog lovers features grinning Chihuahuas, Golden Retrievers, and mixed-breeds—adorably cute in appearance. | Style: Wealthy Dog |. (Provided by Eslite)

When it comes to Lunar New Year red envelopes, Eslite has some clever ideas too. Alongside a selection of five exclusive self-made red envelopes featuring Teacher Dong Yangzhi’s calligraphic “Fu” characters—symbolizing the arrival of the Five Blessings—there’s also the dog lovers’ favorite “Doggy Wang Year” envelope, adorned with beaming Chihuahuas, Golden Retrievers, and mixed-breeds in an endearing design. Readers who appreciate traditional Taiwanese textile art and needlework can opt for handcrafted fabric red envelopes, which are not only unique but also reusable in support of sustainability.

The dazzling “Splendid Red Envelope” series, adorned with rhinestones and auspicious motifs from the “Long Live, Long Live, Long Live” collection, is recommended for readers seeking a touch of surprise. For those who want to make their own red envelopes, participants can join the “Red Envelope Workshop” at Eslite R79 Character Conservation Society in Taipei’s Zhongshan Underground Book Street from January 20th, using letterpress printing to create red envelopes on eight different styles of paper.

Beyond red envelopes, Eslite has also carefully selected a variety of “Dog Prosperity & Blessing” gifts. These include the newly awarded Golden Pin Design Award winner, the “Tear-for-Luck” Spring Festival Couplets and Red Envelope Set—everything from various sizes of spring couplets and paired phrases to red envelopes, all ready to use by simply tearing along the dotted lines, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a wonderful new year. There’s also the perennial bestseller, the Embroidery Room zodiac ornament, specially embroidered with the character “Wang” (prosperity) for the Year of the Dog, symbolizing wealth flowing in. Plus, there are other adorable and kid-friendly New Year items like playful spring couplets.

The rhinestone-encrusted “Splendid Red Envelope Long Live, Long Live, Long Live Series” is perfect for readers who love surprises. | Style: Emperor |. (Provided by Eslite)