Guò nián hǎo”(过年好)
Over a billion people in China and millions around the world celebrate Lunar New Year, which begins February 12 in Asia (February 11 in the west). The start of the holiday coincides with the date of new moon in Asia, which falls this year on February 12. Countries in Asia celebrating Lunar New Year include China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. It’s also celebrated in Chinatowns and Asian homes around the world. It’s considered a time to honour deities and ancestors and to be with family. Each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. 2021 is the Year of the Ox.
Seen here is a ravishing brooch in the shape of a Chinese pipa (a four-stringed Chinese lute). It is set with a 100.02 carat Fancy Intense yellow diamond and can be worn as part of the Dunhuang Pipa necklace.
The designer, Taiwanese native Anna Hu, was inspired by images of women playing the pipa depicted on murals in Dunhuang, once an oasis town along the Silk Road. “I want this collection to speak to my Chinese roots,” Hu said, “and I thought the beauty of jewels could be enhanced with a touch of the traditional yet exotic music that once flowed through the Silk Road.” The Dunhuang Pipa necklace sold for US$5.78 million in 2019. Image 2 shows a mural from the Mogao caves in Dunhuang. The mural depicts a dancer surrounded by musicians. The dancer holds a large pipa while the musician in the lower right corner holds a smaller one.
