Bronze Medal Winner - Zhen Ping Jade Festival Hua Yu Cup 2025
Materials are gifts from the earth, craftsmanship is a dialogue between civilizations.
This set of two jade works uses Australian black jade as the primary medium, blending Eastern and Western aesthetic motifs. Through traditional Eastern techniques, it interprets natural imagery with poetic resonance.
"Ink Rose in the Wind" – Hairpin Ornament
The main motif is a black rose—bud, bloom, and blossom captured in various states.
The petals are delicately layered and openwork-carved, with winding leaves and branches. At the top, a color-contrasted bird perches, carved from natural stone skin, conveying the auspicious meaning of “joy upon the branch” (喜上梢头). A chain of nine small roses dangles below, symbolizing “nine-fold perfection” (九转圆满).
The form of the hairpin follows the traditional Han and Tang dynasty style, where the ornament sways lightly as one walks, echoing the Eastern philosophy of "motion within stillness". The deep black rose evokes a sense of cool elegance, aligning with Western romanticism.
The rose symbolizes passion, while black jade suggests restraint and depth—a fusion of strength and softness, highlighting the contrasts and connections between Eastern and Western emotional expressions.
"Lotus Dwelling in Pure Shadows" – Hollowed Jade Sachet
Shaped as a traditional fragrant sachet, this piece is topped with a color-highlighted lotus pod, enhanced through a clever use of natural contrast.
Using openwork carving, the scene of "droplets hanging from the lotus pod, dragonflies skimming the water" is rendered with poetic delicacy.
The lotus pod (homophone for “continuous blessings” 连逢) symbolizes abundant offspring and blessings, while the dragonfly (谐音 “清廷”, clean court) symbolizes purity and moral integrity. Together, they express the Confucian ideal of the “gentleman who cultivates virtue.”
The sachet is hollowed, balancing solidity and void, allowing fragrance to subtly diffuse—practical, yet rich with literati charm. The warm luster of the jade complements the ephemeral nature of incense, fully embodying the Eastern philosophy of unity between man and nature.
Estimated price for this piece by Meng Chunxi AUD$12,800 (RMB￥60,000) - SOLD
Please use "contact us" page for more information