木 mù — tree; wood; coffin; wooden; simple; numb; one of the eight ancient musical instruments 八音 bāyīn
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The Chinese Characters Series is a unique design project selected by RISD Craft; I began this project in 2021. While practicing calligraphy, I noticed a striking similarity between the structure of many Chinese characters and architectural forms, exhibiting a harmonious and balanced beauty. This realization led me to draw from my background in architecture, and I began transforming some of these meaningful characters into three-dimensional earrings. These earrings were quickly embraced by my friends, with some even choosing to wear them on their wedding day to mark one of the most significant moments in their lives.
Inspired by this positive reception, I continued to develop the series by delving deeper into Chinese classical culture and history. One key influence in the project is the Seal Script of the Yishan Stele, which dates back over 2,000 years to Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Seal Script’s unique flowing lines and symmetrical beauty offer a perfect foundation for design, and by translating these ancient characters into modern, wearable earrings, each piece in the series embodies profound historical significance. Since Seal Script is no longer commonly used, even many young people in China today are unfamiliar with it. I believe it is particularly meaningful to revive these ancient characters through contemporary design, allowing over 2,000 years of culture to re-enter our daily lives freshly and vibrantly.
The Chinese Characters Series is not just an exploration of Chinese aesthetics; it’s also a tribute to my cultural roots and Chinese history. Each earring tells a story, embodying the power and elegance of Chinese characters while conveying centuries of tradition. This project aims to bridge fashion and culture, breaking down barriers by presenting traditional art in a modern and stylish form to a global audience.
Whether or not you are familiar with Chinese culture, these designs allow you to experience its unique beauty and the rich history it represents. When you wear a piece from the Chinese Characters Series, you’re not just displaying an accessory—you’re partaking in a journey to bring ancient culture into the contemporary world. Through this project, I seek to revive Chinese heritage and integrate it seamlessly into modern life, infusing each piece with timeless elegance.