Contemporary Jewellery & Craft project
Concept
The Trajectory series: Piāo Yì reawakens traditional Chinese craftsmanship and philosophy through contemporary jewellery and digital technology. Drawing from China’s picturesque landscape and Suzhou’s rich craftsmanship, Qin & Dijun create jewellery as expressions of self-belief and personal narrative. Carved sandalwood symbolises self-acceptance and nature’s beauty, string binding represents life’s journey, and sterling silver with abalone shell captures cherished moments. Trajectory embodies unpredictability and possibility, with jewellery transcending form to embrace creativity, fluidity, and boundless meaning. With advances in digital technology, Dijun will create AR jewellery filters, allowing wearers to experience these pieces virtually, expanding their reach and accessibility.
Work Technical Description
Qin utilized four traditional fan-making techniques—Lā Huā (sewing and hollowing), Tàng Huā (pyrography), Huà Huā (painting), and Diāo Huā (engraving)—to create intricate patterns on Indian sandalwood, known for its smooth texture and lasting natural fragrance. While these techniques are typically applied on 2D surfaces, Qin innovatively adapted them to work on 3D models. Dijun focused on CAD modelling, silversmithing, and AR digital jewellery creation. Together, they designed the Jié Shén(string binding) and Luó Dìan (Abalone Shell) patterns, incorporating two traditional techniques from Suzhou. These methods merge the heritage of Chinese craftsmanship with modern design, adding a contemporary layer to the artwork.
Qin Chen and Dijun Sha, known as Qin & Dijun, are a multimedia art duo based in London and Suzhou, blending traditional Chinese craftsmanship with digital innovation. Qin, a master of sandalwood fan-making and inheritor of China’s intangible cultural heritage, has devoted over 40 years to her craft, with pieces held in national museums and private collections. Dijun, an emerging curator and jewellery designer, specializes in CAD modelling and AR digital jewellery and trained at the London College of Fashion and Kingston University. Their collaboration began in 2018, with Dijun designing the logo for the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, inspiring Qin’s fans and craft designs.
Their partnership solidified in 2020 during Dijun’s curatorial work in Suzhou, driven by a shared vision to merge traditional techniques with contemporary design. Together, they create narrative-driven digital jewellery that challenges viewers to rethink jewellery’s role in the digital era. Currently preparing for major exhibitions Dijun will launch the jewellery brand SSHINE ALIGN in 2025. Inspired by their shared cultural heritage and classical gardens, Qin & Dijun’s work revives intangible traditions, bringing the essence of Chinese craftsmanship into the modern world.
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