From Heritage to Global Stage: Zhu Bingren Copper Opens Its First Overseas Flagship with PR Agency Saltine Communications

Explore into Saltine’s journey as Zhu Bingren Copper PR Agency, as we supported the brand’s first overseas flagship opening in Singapore under its global name, ZenBron. Rooted in 150 years of Chinese copper craftsmanship, the launch marked a significant cultural milestone, introducing one of China’s most respected contemporary copper art houses to an international audience.

Zhu Bingren Copper is named after Master Zhu Bingren, widely regarded as the father of modern copper art in China and a national inheritor of bronze sculpture heritage. One of the most influential figures in the country’s 5,000-year bronze civilisation, the 81-year-old master has created landmark works for major cultural and spiritual sites including Hangzhou’s Leifeng Pagoda and Shanghai’s Jing’an Temple. Today, the brand operates over 200 stores and six art centres across China, reflecting the enduring relevance of its craftsmanship.

Master Zhu Bingren’s works are housed in prestigious institutions such as the Beijing Renmin City Hall and the National Museum of China, and are represented in diplomatic and cultural spaces globally. Over his career, he has achieved more than 55 industry firsts, pioneered the molten-bronze technique, and produced over 100 major copper works that continue to shape contemporary Chinese art.

The opening of ZenBron at Chinatown Point marked the brand’s first overseas flagship and represented more than a retail milestone. It signalled a continuation of cultural exchange between China and Singapore, bringing intangible cultural heritage techniques and molten-bronze craftsmanship into a modern urban setting. Today, the brand is led by Master Zhu Bingren’s son, Zhu Junmin, who carries forward the family’s fifth-generation artistry while reinterpreting copper craftsmanship for contemporary audiences, ensuring the tradition remains both relevant and evolving.

Zhu Bingren’s connection with Singapore is already deeply rooted in the city’s cultural landscape. Master Zhu created the copper mural Spring Harmony and Grace for the China Cultural Centre, a work viewed by President Xi Jinping during his 2015 state visit, symbolising the shared artistic heritage between China and Singapore. With the opening of its first international boutique in Singapore, the brand builds on this longstanding relationship, making its signature copper and bronze artworks accessible to local collectors, culture lovers, and design enthusiasts.

The Singapore debut also coincides with the Gratitude Festival, a cultural initiative led by the Zhu family and observed across China. The festival encourages the expression of gratitude toward mentors, family, and supporters, with copper artworks symbolising warmth, sincerity, and the passing on of blessings. As Zhu Junmin, fifth-generation heir of Zhu Bingren Copper, shared, the overseas launch marks an opportunity to bring the spirit of gratitude beyond China and share its message with Singapore’s diverse community. 

At the heart of the brand is a philosophy deeply rooted in Chinese culture, where gifting represents gratitude, continuity, and respect. Copper, long seen as a symbol of sincerity and prosperity, reflects these values naturally. With the festive season and Chinese New Year approaching, Zhu Bingren positions copper art as a meaningful choice for loved ones, business partners, and collectors, with each piece carrying the spirit of blessing central to the Gratitude Festival.

To mark the Gratitude Festival, Zhu Bingren Copper unveiled the collector’s edition Horse of Victory, priced at S$928. Symbolising triumph, momentum, and auspicious beginnings, the release is especially timely ahead of the Year of the Horse in 2026 and the festive gifting season. The piece features a detachable bow designed as a brooch, crafted from 5.2g of 925 silver with a gold-plated finish, while the main sculpture is made from finely worked brass. 

Alongside this release, the Singapore boutique also showcases a curated selection of tea lifestyle pieces, contemporary home ornaments, scholar’s studio collectibles, and one-of-a-kind molten-bronze artworks, offering visitors a deeper look into the brand’s craftsmanship and artistic range.

Saltine Communications, as Zhu Bingren Copper’s PR agency, implemented a tailored media outreach strategy to support the brand’s first overseas flagship opening in Singapore and introduce its heritage to a new audience. By centring the narrative on cultural craftsmanship, intangible heritage, and contemporary copper art, we highlighted how Zhu Bingren Copper bridges centuries-old artistry with modern design and relevance.

Through strategic media placements, Saltine Communications secured coverage across key arts, culture, and lifestyle platforms, effectively bringing Zhu Bingren Copper’s story, philosophy, and Singapore debut to a wider audience. Our approach combined thoughtful storytelling with strong media relationships to ensure the brand’s message reached the right communities at the right time, playing an important role in positioning Zhu Bingren Copper as a credible and culturally significant presence in Singapore’s design and arts landscape.

Saltine Communications is proud to be Zhu Bingren Copper’s PR agency of record for this campaign in Singapore. We’re honoured to celebrate our client’s achievements alongside them as their dedicated PR partner in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Drop us a note at hello@saltinecomms.com to find out how we can get your brand into the media at affordable rates.

As seen on:

• Inside Retail Asia

• Retail News Asia

• Lianhe Zaobao

• MoneyFM