Relievo Pendant - Orchid Ping

The orchid is one of "The Four Gentlemen" flowers that frequently appear in Chinese art since the Song Dynasty, the other three being plum blossom, bamboo and chrysanthemum. Together they represent the four seasons and embodied virtues. The graceful and slender form of the hyacinth orchid has long captured the imagination of poets, painters and admirers alike, thereby becoming an enduring symbol of elegance, nobility, loyalty and humility. I paired the orchid with a more elongated ping (vase) to emphasize the willowy verticality. I also played with the dimensionality of the carving by representing the flowers in realistic, raised relief juxtaposed against expressing the linear leaves as etched lines that look almost graphic in comparison. 

I hand carved the pendant out of wax and the piece is one-of-a-kind. The pendant is casted through the lost-wax method in 100% recycled gold. I designed each pendant as a panel with concave beveled corners and relief design– an homage to the decorative panels in antique Chinese furniture as well as Renaissance basso-relievo sculptures.

Specifications

100% recycled 14k yellow gold.

Pendant measures 11mm x 20mm not including bail.