"Crescent Moon by a Bonfire" is a thoughtfully constructed jewellery piece that balances material authenticity with philosophical resonance.
-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award
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Project description
The necklace "Cresent Moon by a Bonfire" features purple-gold fortune rat seeds inlaid with gold belts, giving a solid and natural tone to the piece. Connecting the necklace and the pendant is a tee joint made of Nanhong agate, with brilliant patterns resembling the dragon scales in dancing flames. The pendant is made of two antique red agate Tibetan dzi beads with their shapes like a crescent moon hanging by a bonfire in the night. The two crescent moons are lined up in an opposite inversion to showcase the celebration of playfulness. The necklace embodies fun, simplicity and authenticity.
Xu Jiawen Karmen is a distinguished handcrafted jewellery designer celebrated for her unique ability to intertwine oriental aesthetics with the profound wisdom of Chinese philosophy. After earning her MBA Degree from the London Business School/University of Hong Kong, Karmen further deepened her understanding of global dynamics by studying Middle Eastern geopolitics at the University of Cambridge. This combination of rigorous academic training and critical thinking has shaped her into a modern-day Renaissance woman.
Karmen’s passion for ancient civilizations and spiritual traditions—including Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism—enhances her creative sensibility. She devotes years to practicing mindfulness meditation, which significantly influences her artistic process, allowing her to approach design with introspection and awareness.
As a fervent advocate for Chinese civilization, Karmen’s jewellery captures the essence of oriental philosophy and aesthetic principles, embodying an elegance that is both subtle and profound. Her creations pay homage to China’s rich understanding of the universe's laws and the harmonious wisdom found in the concept of "the middle way." For Karmen, designing jewellery transcends mere craft; it is a cherished meditation that promotes self-awareness. Through her work, she invites others to appreciate the beauty of Chinese heritage and reconnect with timeless traditions and their intrinsic wisdom.