Tiffany & Co. Taps Oscar Wang for Chinese New Year Collaboration
LONDON — Tiffany & Co. has enlisted the Shanghai-based multidisciplinary artist Oscar Wang for an artisanal collaboration to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac on Jan. 29.
The partnership resulted in a limited run of gifting objects including ceramic decorative cases and jewelry holders glazed in the brand’s signature blue. They are exclusive to the brand’s top clients.
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The jewelry holder depicts two snakes uniting in the shape of two hearts, an homage to Tiffany & Co.’s open-heart design. The shape also plays into the auspicious meaning of the number eight in Chinese culture, symbolizing wealth and fortune.
The jewelry case, meanwhile, serves as a sculptural rendering of the motif. The Chinese knot adorned in the middle is aimed at bringing more luck and unity.
Wang also created a Möbius strip-like snake charm that resembles a Chinese knot. It will be distributed as part of the packaging and red packets in 28 countries during the Chinese New Year period.
Wang is the first Chinese artist that Tiffany & Co. has ever worked with in its 188 years of history.
In an interview, the artist said the collaboration presents a great opportunity to promote Chinese culture through a modern lens.
“I hope this is the beginning of a collaborative relationship that’s evolving with localization, but also projecting our culture in an international way,” Wang said. “The beauty of this collaboration is to understand each other’s culture. When we’re voicing our authentic Chinese culture, they are also digesting, and then they would give their feedback with their DNAs, and over time, you set on something that’s truly organic.
“I wish to create the best Chinese products that are well-received on an international level and from a luxury standpoint. Working with Tiffany & Co. gave me a high benchmark to reach. They are extremely detailed in their quality control,” Wang added.
The porcelains were made in Dehua, a county located in central Fujian province that’s historically known for making some of the world’s finest Blanc de Chine throughout history.
“They’ve been in the export business for hundreds of years. That’s centuries of production skills that haven’t slowed down but improved over time. I needed a very stable supply chain. That’s why I chose Dehua,” Wang said.
The county is also where Wang has been developing his porcelain brand 1300. The number represents the temperature required for porcelain to mature in a kiln.
Earlier this month, he previewed the first batch of plates inspired by the five basic elements of the world in Chinese philosophy at the Labelhood Chinese Year pop-up at Harrods. They sold out on the first day.
“Ceramics have always been a particular passion of mine. Not only are they an integral part of Chinese heritage, but their attraction lies in the unknown, in the unpredictability of the final form they will take. For the new year, I portrayed the sinuous motions of the snake weaving into a sign of infinite love. It’s an expression of family, friendship and new year reunions — love, all together,” he said.
An interior design graduate of London’s Chelsea College of Arts, Wang has been making waves on the world stage, infusing Chinese traditional craft with fashion and art.
He has teamed with Fendi for digital installations, designed a set that nods to Chinese architecture for the Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning’s show at Paris’ Pompidou Center, and launched a limited run of teapots with artist Daniel Arsham.
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