Chinese classical literature is rich in imagery, carrying the essence of Chinese aesthetics that continues to influence later generations. Multimedia artist Edmond Woon, influenced by Chinese history, culture, and art since childhood, embarked on the concept of “literati photography.” He established a contemporary Chinese jewelry brand, “YEWN 淵,” with elegance as the creative theme, designing a series of exquisite jewelry pieces that blend traditional Chinese art with modern jewelry craftsmanship.
Recently, Wong Dickson collaborated with Sotheby’s to raise funds for the China Women’s Development Foundation’s “One Stitch, One Thread” special fund. Wong Dickson will donate 4 pieces to coincide with the auction of women’s Zhongshan suits in “Century Inheritance • Women’s Power”. The 4 pieces will be auctioned together with the “One Stitch, One Thread” charity fund embroidery Zhongshan suit at Sotheby’s “Precious Jewels” auction on February 18th.
Among the jewelry donated by Wong Dickson, two are iconic collectibles, including the “Zhuang Zhou Dream Butterfly” charity series Chinese national butterfly (gold-spotted swallowtail) acid branch wood with diamond and gemstone brooch, and the “Literati Talk” series Red Chamber Dream (Peach Blossom Playful Words) black walnut wood with diamond and gemstone gold bracelet, inspired by the 23rd chapter of the Red Chamber Dream “The Story of the Western Wing, Clever Words and Playful Language, The Peony Pavilion, Bewitching Melodies”.
Another series, “Literati Talk,” aims to bring the influence of “literati discourse” back to the public. The designer believes that cultivating literary accomplishments is necessary to create the ultimate aesthetics, thus conceptualizing a variety of rings and bracelets with the same origin of poetry and painting.
Edison’s “Zhuang Zhou’s Dream of the Butterfly” charity series is named after the names of original species of butterflies, and specifically records information such as the species, name, and habitat of each butterfly. This series does not specifically consider commercial value or the value of the gemstone itself, but strives to recreate the most primitive beauty of butterflies in nature with natural materials, representing the designer’s respect for nature and the beautiful species of butterflies.
Another piece themed on Tang Yin’s “Lotus Flowers by the Water”, using jewelry to showcase lotus flowers, actually pursuing a kind of elegance, inner peace, and life philosophy.
Being able to transform the wisdom and sentiments of ancient literati into a pursuit of aesthetics, and then using exquisite craftsmanship to create meaningful pieces of jewelry, I believe everyone can feel a sense of elegant beauty from Weng Disen’s jewelry.
Learn more and image source: YEWN
