Artistic Collaboration Hennessy x Xu Zhen
Lunar New Year Horse Limited Edition
About the Collaboration
Moving forward in the Year of the Horse
Therefore, in celebration of Lunar New Year 2026, Hennessy proudly unveils its latest artistic collaboration. This cognac limited edition is adorned with a dynamic interpretation of the horse—an enduring symbol of energy and freedom. Furthermore, rendered in metallic copper tones and deep mineral pigments, this year’s design is grounded in a flowing red palette that embodies vitality and optimism. At the heart of the artwork, the galloping horse captures both the elegance and strength of this revered animal. Moreover, designed to evoke movement and meaning, the composition celebrates bright perspectives and the forward momentum that defines the Year of the Horse.
This collaboration brings together Hennessy’s heritage and the symbolic power of the Chinese zodiac, reinterpreted through the lens of Chinese contemporary art. Drawing inspiration from the Year of the Horse, this limited-edition design transforms a timeless emblem of energy, freedom, and momentum into a visual language of movement and strength.
The interpretation of the Year of the Horse, is rooted in a foundational concept from Eastern philosophy related to perspective, energy, and freedom. As a result, the artwork is intentionally designed to encourage multiple individual interpretations.
More specifically, the sculpture’s contour and empty form invite viewers to actively engage with the piece. Rather than presenting a fixed meaning, its outline becomes a window onto each viewer’s unique perspective. Consequently, these varied perceptions give rise to multiple interpretations, reflecting both the layered complexity and the evolving character of Hennessy’s cognacs. Ultimately, the artwork embodies the dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression, offering a meaningful and dynamic celebration.
Campaign Activation
Hennessy's horse gallops 360°
Hennessy launched a global Lunar New Year activation campaign. As part of this initiative, the VSOP, X.O and Paradis cognac limited editions feature elevated bottle designs and premium secondary packaging inspired by the Horse sculpture. In addition, bespoke photo and video content was created to amplify the brand’s storytelling across key channels. Meanwhile, dedicated in-store retail displays further extended the experience and reinforced the campaign’s visibility. Every year, Hennessy celebrates its longstanding relationship with China through iconic artist editions developed in collaboration with leading Chinese contemporary artists and designers.
Visual Codes
Campaign Assets
- Design
- Experience
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Xu Zhen
Multidisciplinary artist Xu Zhen® is considered an iconic figure in Chinese contemporary art. He received the Best Artist prize at the Chinese Contemporary Art Award in 2004. Working across installation, video, painting, performance, and moving image, his practice merges conceptual rigor with pop strategies, shaping a distinctive visual language. His practice offers a strong framework for brand collaborations rooted in cultural relevance, image circulation, and contemporary narratives.
He first gained attention through behavioral and cultural experiments in performance and video. Blending cultural symbols with contemporary forms, Xu Zhen® examines power dynamics, representation, and the tensions of cultural hybridization. His composite works interrogate the displacement of meaning and context under accelerating globalization in the digital age.
OTHER WORKS
A Mother’s Day limited edition where color and texture elevate beauty into a living work of art.
Maison Margiela collaboration with young textile artist: New Year, New Fragrance.
A collector’s Zodiac limited edition where the Horse embodies the passage of time.
