LEGO continues the tradition in 2023 with the upcoming release of 2 main sets to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Let’s take a closer look at the 80110 Lunar New Year Display set.
Box experience
As usual, the box is predominantly red (signifying auspiciousness). The two display plaques carrying traditional symbols of wealth and prosperity are pictured resting on plinths. The back of the box provides another view of the displays as well as a lifestyle photos of them resting on traditional Asian style tables. A small inset lets us know the height of the sets.
Unboxing
There is a total of 9 numbered bags and an un-numbered bag in the set with two instruction booklets. Each booklet will build one of the displays (Book 1 uses bags 1-4, Book 2 uses bags 5-9) The Build Together concept lets you build in tandem with a loved one/family member. Book 2 builds the more intricate set and carries a lot more Technic pieces.
Build 1
The build starts with building a frame and some different coloured bits act as an indicator to let you orientate yourself while building.
The top of the frame is slowly layered up with different items to provide a more 3D feel to the display including ripples from the water and a raised stand for the words.
The borders of the frame and internal scenery are build with gold drum lacquered parts. All decorative parts in this set are printed as well. The words (4 letter idioms – Chengyu) on the 2×2 round tiles are read in a NWES configuration (Up, left, right, Down) displaying 招財進寶 – Zhao Cai Jin Bao, Inviting fortune and receiving treasures (into the household).
Two small builds of yuan bao style gold ingots and koi fish are part of the build (Gold and Fish are traditional symbols of wealth in Asian cultures influenced by the Chinese) as well as a pair of red pockets.
The base for the two “plaques” are identical and quite sturdy and more complex that I would have first thought (easy to build though). Each plaque nestles snugly onto the base and is secured to Technic 1×2 brick with holes.
Build 2
The build for Build 2 starts off similarly as Build 1 with a Peony flower and printed butterflies being the focal point of this plaque instead of gold and fishes. The round tiles carrying the traditional New Year greeting 花开富贵 – Hua Kai Fu Gui – When Flower Blooms, Prosperity Follows, is read in a top to down configuration
The Moutan Peony accompanied by the what we think are yellow Apricot Blossoms are both traditional sought after in the New Year as they both represent abundance and prosperity. It is also thought that the popular 4 character idiom 满地黄金 – Man Di Huang Jin – Gold carpeting the floor, is influenced by the yellow apricot blossom petals that fall on the floor after they wilt.
Summary
One of the better Lunar New Year set releases from LEGO. We are sure that this set will be a hit with those interested in the festivities. We appreciate that the angles of each decorative piece and symbol are pretty much locked in place by thoughtfully placed elements. It looks perfect on our TV console counter and with a height of 21cm, I think most people can find a place to display them either singularly or in a pair. This is definitely a 5/5 set for us.
The set goes on sale on the 25th of December 2022 with US retail price of $89.99
The set used for the review was sent to us by The LEGO Group for the purpose of an honest review. Provision of sets do not in any way influence or guarantee a positive review.
