Pictograms 2008

In March 2005, the design based on “seal characters” by China Central Academy of Fine Arts and that on “string” by the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, were shortlisted for the Games pictograms solicitation campaign.

A joint panel from the two institutions then made improvements on the designs in accordance with the suggestions of experts from home and abroad. In August 2008, at the two-year countdown to the Opening Ceremony, BOCOG released the pictograms of the Beijing Olympic Games.

The pictograms, named “Beauty of Seal Characters”, integrate the inscriptions on ancient Chinese boneware and bronzeware with simplified embodiment of modern graphic arts, which make them easily recognisable. Pictographic charm of the strokes and sharp contrast between the black and white colours entail graceful aesthetic perception of athletes’ movement and a strong sense of vigour and vitality.

(Source document:   Official Report 2008, Vol. III, page 269)