CUNZU| 铜鼓TONGU | Bronze drum silver rings handmade with filigree technique

DESCRIPTION OF THE JEWELLERY

铜鼓TONGU is our collection inspired by bronze drum of Miao. This open-ended fine silver rings with Bronze Drum pattern (without flower stamen in the center), handmade by Miao artisan Kaibing Shi in Kaili, Guizhou of China. The pattern is inspired by bronze drum, one of the most important instrument and sacrificial vessel at offerings and rituals in Miao culture. It is decorated with objects of nature such as the sun, clouds and lightning to bring prosperity and harvest.

Technique: The unique technique of filigree is used where silver is made into thin threads and then transformed into craftworks by using piling and weaving. The whole process consists of more than 30 complex steps and takes at least one day to make. The special technique of washing, boiling and brushing makes it white, bright and distinctive.

Material: Fine silver (s999)- 4g.

*Fine silver has a millesimal fineness of 999. Also called pure silver, it is less and less used in jewellery making due to its soft feature that increases the difficulty in the making process. However, to respect the tradition in the region, artisans insist to use fine silver to create high-qualified pieces with exquisite technique. 

Size: Main Body: 2.5cm*1.8cm   *Adjustable in size

Artisan: Kaibing Shi learned all the technique from his dad and now he is running a family workshop with his wife in Qiandongnan.

ABOUT THE JEWELLERY

In the remote mountain areas of Guizhou, Southwest of China, Miao and other minority groups carry forward the culture of handmade silver jewellery with traditional techniques that have been developing for hundreds of years. Lacking their own written language, local people use silversmithing to pass down their rich culture. The exquisite craftsmanship, artistic design and soulful approach make it splendid works of art. 

Our silver jewellery is inspired by the wisdom of ethnical culture and the harmony of the indigenous communities with nature. Its profound philosophy gives it strong individuality and distinguished feature. We work with eight ancestral workshops and more than 30 artisans from the local communities to create our jewellery. Each piece is carefully handmade with the fine silver (999 silver) and unique patterns. The whole process consists of over 30 complex steps and could last for several days.

We aspire to provide opportunities to preserve this traditional craftsmanship and find its way to a wider world. In addition, we hope to support the development and growth of artisan communities.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

All silver jewellery will age and tarnish naturally. Store your pieces individually in small zip-lock plastic bags after having removed as much air as possible. We also provide jewellery care services, please contact us if it’s needed.