JNA Jan/ Feb 2021

DESIGN 46 | JNA Jan/Feb 2021 Photos 圖 1, 4, 6, 7 by SinniS Design 作品 Photos 圖 2, 3, 5 by Yu . KingfisherArt 瑜•點翠作品 Jewellery designers are increasingly using unconventional organic materials interspersed with diamonds, pearls or coloured gemstones to develop standout collections. 一些珠寶設計師另闢蹊徑，採用非一般的天然有機物料為主角， 配以鑽石、珍珠或彩寶，創製出卓爾不凡的首飾作品。 自然奇珍 Natural reflections 2 1 4 7 5 3 6 | Katie Wong 王嘉欣 | T hanks to the ingenuity of modern jewellery designers, non-traditional materials are finding their way into distinctive jewellery pieces that shine the spotlight on nature’s inherent beauty. Mesmerising blues Taiwanese designer Patty Wang offers jewellery pieces inspired by an ancient Chinese technique that uses the striking blue feathers of the kingfisher bird to adorn fine art objects, including jewellery. Through her jewellery brand, Yu . KingfisherArt, Wang gives these “kingfisher art” jewellery pieces a modern appeal. Dating back 2,000 years to historical China, this technique involves a sophisticated process of carefully inlaying kingfisher feathers on objects and ornaments all the while preserving their electric blue colour. “The finest pieces of kingfisher art were reserved for royalty or high-ranking officials. It was usually used to make very large headpieces, which are no longer suitable for wear today,” revealed Wang. “We acquire those headpieces from ordinary collectors or the general public, take them apart and repurpose the pieces into modern jewellery. By doing so, we hope to keep this very special, unique ancient Chinese technique alive.” The jewellery pieces are easily discernable through their vivid blue hues and artistic designs. Wang’s fascination began more than 30 years ago when she saw a kingfisher art jewellery piece on display