Luxury meets legacy as Qeelin partners with Dunhuang Academy

What happened Jewelry brand Qeelin unveiled a partnership with the Dunhuang Academy and its China Dunhuang Grottoes Conservation Research Foundation on September 19. A donation ceremony was held at the famed Mogao Cave 96 (Jiu Ceng Lou – Nine-Storey Temple), with the funds going to research into Sui and Tang dynasty jewelry discovered in the Dunhuang Caves. Qeelin’s connection to Dunhuang dates back to 1997, when founder and creative director Dennis Chan was inspired by Mogao Caves’ majestic murals, with the cultural treasures shaping Qeelin’s designs ever since. The Mogao Caves, situated near Dunhuang in China's Gansu province, are a significant cultural and religious landmark along the ancient Silk Road. This extensive complex, comprising hundreds of cave temples, is renowned for its rich collection of Buddhist art and artifacts spanning two millennia. “Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves are a treasure trove for the Chinese people and a renowned world heritage site,” said Chan. “By contributing to cultural heritage research, Qeelin hopes to uncover the beauty of history and convey the depth of culture while unraveling the enigmatic grandeur of Dunhuang.” Chan also expressed his aspiration that the brand’s jewelry will cultivate deeper appreciation for the important cultural site. The Jing Take Qeelin’s pioneering collaboration with the Dunhuang Academy and its China Dunhuang Grottoes Conservation Research Foundation highlights the brand’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and its deep-rooted connection to China’s rich heritage. Since its inception in 2004, Qeelin has interwoven elements of Eastern culture into its contemporary luxury jewelry designs, demonstrating a dedication to honoring Chinese traditions and aesthetics. The Wulu collection, one of the brand’s signature lines, epitomizes this fusion: the gourd (hulu) motif, a symbol of blessings and prosperity in Chinese culture, adorns numerous Mogao Cave murals, gracing nuptial wine cups, musical instruments, and patrons’ jewelry. Qeelin cleverly reimagined the emblem as a bridge between ancient artistry and modern jewelry craftsmanship. The landmark Dunhuang partnership will cement Qeelin’s role in safeguarding and championing Chinese cultural heritage. By spearheading research and conservation initiatives, the brand not only ensures the legacy of the area’s historical treasures for posterity, but also amplifies the reach of this extraordinary cultural heritage to a global audience. The collaboration also aligns with the core values of Qeelin’s parent company, Kering, a global leader in heritage. Qeelin’s concerted efforts to elevate Chinese identity are in harmony with Kering’s broader vision of responsible luxury. As Qeelin marks its milestone 20th anniversary this year, the partnership and patronship signal the brand’s commitment to cultural storytelling and heritage-driven design. Looking ahead, the jewelry house is poised to amplify its global presence, introducing modern Oriental aesthetics to a wider international audience, while remaining deeply anchored to its cultural roots. The Jing Take reports on a piece of the leading news and presents our editorial team’s analysis of the key implications for the luxury industry. In the recurring column, we analyze everything from product drops and mergers to heated debate sprouting on Chinese social media.

Luxury meets legacy as Qeelin partners with Dunhuang Academy

On this page

Published September 24, 2024

Sectors

Insights

Company

Luxury meets legacy as Qeelin partners with Dunhuang Academy