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 cloisonne 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. AUTHOR: Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld is an expert on jewellery both contemporary and classical. From family ties to the jewellers of old - her great grandfather, Thomas Weir, founded the Weir & Sons jewellers 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. SELLING POINTS: . A detailed study of contemporary artist and jewellery creator, Dickson Yewn, renowned as the designer worn by the likes of Michelle Obama . Focuses on Yewn’s inspirations, influences and the integral place of Han Chinese culture in his work . One of the most important pioneers in bringing Han Chinese culture back into the modern and contemporary jewellery world of today . First-of-its-kind art book narrating worldly and philosophical Han Chinese culture in the language of jewellery art . Informative background research on Yewn’s creative process, bolstered by stunning high-quality photography from museum archives . Text by Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld, renowned jewellery historian, and layout by artistic and creative director Dickson Yewn
