Recently, the winners of the 2025 MUSE Design Awards were announced. Zhang Yang, a faculty member from NEFU’s College of Home and Art Design, won the Silver Award for his handmade pen design, “MASONLIN SERIES HANDMADE PEN DESIGN”. His work stood out among over 3,600 entries from 45 countries worldwide, thanks to its unique design concept and craftsmanship.

The MUSE Design Awards is an international design competition founded by the International Awards Association (IAA) in 2015. The awards cover various design fields, including architecture, interior design, product design, landscape, and lighting design, and are often referred to as the “Oscars of Design.” The award is known for its rigorous and impartial judging standards. The panel of judges consists of top design experts, scholars, and industry leaders from around the globe. Winning works are selected based on factors such as the uniqueness of the design concept, functionality, aesthetic value, and consideration of sustainability.

Zhang Yang’s handmade pen series, “MASONLIN,” is a collection of wooden pens meticulously crafted by hand. The design draws inspiration from Harbin's unique regional culture, using the pen’s form and materials to express themes that reflect the city’s ice and snow culture, European architectural features, the beauty of lilacs, and the changing seasons. The concept aims to use the pen as a medium to showcase the city's distinct characteristics and display Harbin’s unique charm.