Discover the delicate brilliance of 螺钿象棋 — Chinese chess (象棋) pieces inlaid with intricate mother-of-pearl (螺钿), a centuries-old decorative technique celebrated across East Asia. This visually stunning video showcases master artisans carefully crafting each piece, layering shimmering shell fragments into richly lacquered surfaces.
For New Zealand viewers, this is more than cultural appreciation — it’s an invitation to explore how traditional Eastern craftsmanship can inspire modern Kiwi design and storytelling. As interest in Asian-Pacific artisan goods grows among Aotearoa’s interior designers, collectors, and cultural educators, these handmade chess sets speak to a deeper desire for connection, elegance, and craftsmanship.
Mother-of-pearl work resonates deeply with New Zealand’s own Pāua shell traditions, forming a bridge between Chinese decorative arts and Māori design sensibilities. Whether you're a lover of fine objects, a maker working with natural materials, or an educator exploring cross-cultural art forms, this is a rare look into how old-world craftsmanship continues to thrive — and inspire — today.
Why it matters in New Zealand:
Aligns with growing Kiwi interest in slow-made, natural-material goods
Inspires local artisans working with shell, lacquer, or game design
Appeals to collectors, designers, and educators passionate about cross-cultural heritage
Connects with Aotearoa’s deep appreciation for objects with story, skill, and soul
Hashtags:
#motherofpearlnz #chinesechessnz #lacquerartnz #artisancraftnz #traditionalasianartnz #nzcollectors #chessdesignnz #culturalheritagenz #pāuameetspearl #nzinteriordesign #handcraftedgamesnz #kiwiartmeetsasia
11.2K
259
0
36
Share
Panorama reflection idea ✨📱shot with @xiaomi #Xiaomi13Pro #sunset #photography
43.1K
31
0
31
Share
Miami Swim Week 2024 May 29th
22.8K
77
0
32
Share
Baklava
22.6K
28
0
35
Share
A tense moment unfolds in the wild as a turtle faces off with a shark — but nature has surprises in store. This real-life ocean drama captures the raw beauty of wildlife and the instinct to survive. Sometimes, help comes in unexpected ways.
Hashtags:
#animals #animallife #wildanimals #shark #turtle #oceanrescue #wildlifedrama #naturemoments #survivalinstinct #marinelife
10.9K
252
0
33
Share
When every coat of #hellathiccmascara got us shook on the daily: 😱✨ We love a buildable baddie!! 📈 For our besties who want an everyday looking lash effect, apply 1️⃣ coat of our #volumizingmascara & for our baddies who want all the drama, apply 2️⃣ coats! 🖤 Tap the 🔗 in bio to secure that hella stunning lash lewk tuh-dayy!!
80.2K
31
0
36
Share
