XU Jiawen Karmen

Gold Prize

The Dance of the Golden Snake can be worn in two ways:

• Lay-flat style: Spread the bead chains smoothly so the amber beads drape like fluid golden lines against the neck. It’s an elegant, effortless everyday look, which works perfectly with turtlenecks.

•Intertwined style: Twist the chains before clipping the clasp at the back. The twin serpents intertwine around the neck as if they are dancing in pairs, bringing a dynamic, mysterious edge that instantly catches people’s eye. This look is ideal for deep-V or off-shoulder evening gowns.

The ant-nose coin clutched by the golden snake is a unique currency circulating in the State of Chu during the ancient Warring States Period, derived its name from its petite size and a raised obverse resembling an ant’s head. The coin featured a flattened oval shape with intaglio inscriptions on its surface. Its shell-like form bore clear traces of influence from the early shell money in ancient China.

The coin and the two-headed golden snake together form a motif of a synergy of wealth and power, coupled with the mixed use of blood amber and golden amber which further evoke vitality and prosperity. The choice of these materials is intentional, suggesting a deeper connection to the earth and the cosmic forces believed to influence human existence. The snake head pendants are particularly noteworthy; they symbolize renewal, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life, serving as reminders of the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. These elements are not merely decorative but imbued with rich symbolic meaning that speaks to the spiritual concerns of the designer.