Melody Juthamongkol
Sino-Narrative Toywellery is a series of three hybrid toy-jewellery projects, each inspired by a Chinese folktale in celebration of my heritage. Each toywellery project consists of jewellery pieces that can be assembled to create or function as a traditional Chinese toy. As digital technologies progress and are preferred in the modern world, I hope these three projects will spark interest in traditional cultures for younger crowds, while evoking a sense of nostalgia for mature audiences. The Dragon Puppet follows the narrative of The Dragon’s Pearl or Nie Lang and The White Rabbit. The Knucklebones (Chinese Jacks) are inspired by the Chinese Zodiac origin story: The Great Race. The Rabbit Lantern, a toy cart that illuminates the Mid-Autumn streets, commemorates the sacrifice of The Jade Rabbit. The Sino-Narrative Toywellery series is wearable, playable, and educational!
