- 2025 Silver Prize
- From Jewelry design
JIN LIN WANG QI LIN HUI SHOU
Project Description
This bangle draws its inspiration from the Qilin Looking Back motif found on the rank badges of first-rank military officials during the Qing Dynasty. In Chinese mythology, the qilin is a revered symbol of peace, protection, and prosperity. The design combines traditional imperial patterns with intangible cultural heritage techniques, using three-dimensional engraving to vividly portray the qilin glancing backward. This imagery conveys the belief that looking back leads to auspicious outcomes and that all endeavors will be brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Jointly created by Ziyu Jewelry Atelier and the Yu Gong Zao Ban Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, the piece is crafted from high-purity gold and refined with hand-chiseled detailing and antique-style embossing. The surface is adorned with raised motifs such as the qilin, auspicious clouds, and blessing characters. Under the soft golden sheen, these elements reflect a graceful and dignified interpretation of traditional Chinese culture.
This work is more than a contemporary take on courtly Qing Dynasty motifs. It serves as a vessel of cultural memory and emotional symbolism rooted in Eastern tradition. Blending heritage with modern craftsmanship, the bangle can be worn as a meaningful daily accessory or appreciated as a collectible or ceremonial gift, expressing the quiet elegance and enduring beauty of Chinese aesthetics.
The Zitang Jade Workshop of Suzhou traces its origins back to the 18th year of the Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty (1539), when it was founded in Suzhou by the renowned jade carving master Lu Zigang. According to the Dictionary of Chinese Economic History: Ming Dynasty Figures and Materials, “Lu Zigang, also known as Zigang, resided in Suzhou for many years. In the 18th year of Jiajing, he established a jade carving workshop and became widely known for his exceptional craftsmanship.” During the Ming Dynasty, the three major centers of jade carving in China were Suzhou, Yangzhou, and Beijing, with Suzhou standing out for its superb artistry. Among Suzhou’s craftsmen, Lu Zigang was the most celebrated. The jade artifacts he created became known as "Zigang Jade" and were once regarded as being on par with Tang Bohu’s paintings of court ladies.
The Zitang Jade Workshop was known not only for its jade objects but also for its refined techniques in intricate craftsmanship and inlay work. Lu Zigang was the first jade artisan in Chinese history to engrave his name onto his works, earning the workshop the reputation of being “China’s earliest jewelry brand.” In 2016, Zitang Jade Workshop was officially renamed Zigang Jewelry Atelier, continuing the legacy of this centuries-old heritage brand.