Application of Cultural Gene Theory in the Regenerative Design of Traditional Crafts: A Case Study of Song Dynasty Hutiang Kiln Qingbai Porcelain

HRMARS - 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.