TIME TRAVEL
Fine jewellery brand Qeelin introduces Wulu Legend, a new series inspired by the legendary Silk Road
amed for an auspicious Chinese mythical creature and icon of love, Qeelin has become well known for its playful fusion of traditional symbols and contemporary aesthetics. The latest series from the fine jewellery brand goes one step further, blending the iconic style of its Wulu collection with multicultural inspirations from the legendary Silk Road.
Like all Qeelin designs, Wulu Legend is born of Chinese heritage and infused with modernity. Founder and creative director Dennis Chan set off from Dunhuang, the city that inspired the brand’s conception, on a journey along the oldest section of the Silk Road to discover the interaction and integration of Chinese and Western civilisations over the past millennia.
The result is a blend of Chinese elements and Byzantium concepts depicted in rubies, diamonds and rose gold. Wulu Legend’s aesthetics draw from the Wulu collection, which revisits the auspicious Chinese gourd, as well as the design of the famed Mogao Caves – also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas – which are said to contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. They also reference the symbolic Sanskrit flower from Buddhism that is likewise represented in the design of the Roman Chapel.
The Wulu Legend series has two sets of designs, one for daily wear and another for special occasions. The Commercial Set for daily wear includes earrings, necklaces and a bracelet inlaid with rose gold and diamonds and rubies as embellishments.
Comprising earrings, a necklace and a bangle, the limited-edition Couture Set features classic Wulu silhouettes to symbolise happiness and longevity paired with patterns that depict a rich Western Silk Road style. In addition to centre rubies, each piece is inlaid with sparkling diamonds to represent a sense of modernity and prosperity.
Wulu Legend’s fusion of East and West, as well as old and new, epitomises Qeelin’s contemporary interpretation of youth and creativity. According to the brand’s design philosophy, jewellery is much more than an accessory but a fun and creative way to express one’s unique style. After all, “it’s high time to discover the beauty within yourself”.