Read more
"Within its 276 pages, you will discover how thousands of years of Chinese history and culture manifest in his designs. Noted author and jewelry specialist Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld takes the reader on an intellectual, art historical, and sensual journey as she traces Yewn's early career and rise to acclaim" - IGI GemBlog
"A first-of-its-kind art book narrating worldly and philosophical Han Chinese culture in the language of jewellery art." - Arts & Collections
"A preeminent and harmonious collaboration with text by renowned jewelry historian Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld and artistic direction by trailblazing designer Dickson Yewn results in a one-of-a-kind book, Yewn: Contemporary Art Jewels and the Silk Road." - Private Air Magazine
Dickson Yewn is the quintessential modern-day literatus. His contemporary jewellery is a crystallisation of thousands of years of Chinese material history. Square rings rub shoulders with antique porcelain forms, shapes taken from Ming furniture and the geometric latticework found in Chinese architecture. Yewn focuses on these traditional Chinese motifs, but also understands the significance of different materials. Wood, one of the five elements in Chinese philosophy, is present in most of his collections.
To wear a contemporary jewel by Dickson Yewn is to delve back into China's works of art and its history, blended with a contemporary twist. This new monograph of his work details the inspiration Yewn has drawn from the Imperial court, exploring its influence on the art of jewellery, from silks, embroidery, painting, architecture and cloisonné enamel to courtesan culture. Beautiful, detailed illustrations and photographs highlight Yewn's fealty to the artisanal techniques employed by the Imperial courts. Esteemed jewellery writer Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld invites the reader to explore the deeper symbolism behind Yewn's jewels.
About the author
Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld is an expert on jewelry both contemporary and classical. From family ties to the jewelers of old - her great grandfather, Thomas Weir, founded the Weir & Sons jewelers in Dublin, Ireland - to her career at Sotheby's, and at Drouot, Paris and as a member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem A), Juliet has lived a platinum-plated life. Her previous books with ACC include
Women Jewellery Designers, Lydia Courteille and
21st-Century Jewellery Designers.
Summary
A detailed study of contemporary artist and jewellery creator, Dickson Yewn, renowned as the designer worn by the likes of Michelle Obama.
