Our Story
Pinyin Press creates home accessories, lifestyle products and gifts inspired by everyday life in China. Pinyin Press celebrates Asian culture through hand drawn illustrations and quality craftsmanship.
Pinyin Press was created to tell a story of everyday life in China and to help to connect others to the culture.
"When I was looking for gifts and design to send to friends and family, I wanted to gift something which would tell a story of my everyday life here. Whether it’s the Finger Counting sign language I use at the wet market, an exchange with my neighbouring Ayi on my way to work or buying steaming hot dumplings from a street vendor on my bike ride home, it’s these everyday experiences which I draw upon for design inspiration."
PINYIN PRESS: The meaning behind our name.
Pīnyīn was invented by Zhou Youguang in the late 1950s and is described by him as "a bridge between China and the rest of the world.” For foreigners living in China, Zhou Youguang offers a simple piece of wisdom, “Do something to help bridge understanding between China’s ancient civilization and the modern world.”Pinyin Press was created to tell a story of everyday life in China and to help to connect others to the culture.
Everyday Inspiration
"When I was looking for gifts and design to send to friends and family, I wanted to gift something which would tell a story of my everyday life here. Whether it’s the Finger Counting sign language I use at the wet market, an exchange with my neighbouring Ayi on my way to work or buying steaming hot dumplings from a street vendor on my bike ride home, it’s these everyday experiences which I draw upon for design inspiration."Founder & Designer
Originally from Scotland, Sarah Armstrong graduated from Textile Design at Central Saint Martins. After experience working for designers in London and New York, Sarah relocated to Shanghai for a design opportunity with a Chinese brand. Inspired by Shanghai’s unique charm and culture she founded Pinyin Press to tell her story of everyday life there. 
