Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Fiero in Jeguaka Jejapo Competition Category.

FieroJeguaka· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

A' Design Award Fiero Winner in Jeguaka Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #180832

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua

Whispers Under Wings ha'e peteĩ mbo'y sã mbo'yjegua ojejapóva lembu ra'anga rehe. Ipepo nandíva ojapo peteĩ mba'e ryru ikuarapa ha ikarapãva, ha ipype osãingo peteĩ ta'anga michĩmi. Omýivo pe omoĩva ijehe, upe ta'anga michĩ oku'e ha omoheñói peteĩ mba'epu kambuchimi hendápe iporãva ha kirirĩmegua. Ko mbo'yjegua ojejapo ñepyrũ digital ra'anga rupive ha upéi ojejapo kuarepotĩ morotĩgui (plata) araity kañy ñemboykúpe (fundición a la cera perdida), upe rire ojejapopa po rupive, oñemomimbi ha oñembyatypa jesarekopópe. Ipuku 20, ipe 40 ha ijyvate 15 milímetro. Pe lembu ojeporu ta'angáramo oñemo'ãva, oñemoambuéva ha imbaretéva rehegua, ha upe ta'anga oku'éva katu ohechauka mba'e kangy ha temiandu apytu'ũ rembiapokue.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Fiero

Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua ohupyty A' Design Award Fiero, peteĩ ñehechakuaa prestigioso oñeme'ẽva diseño iporã-pe ohupytýva requisito profesional ha industrial oñeha'ãrõva creación iporã oñemoĩva-gui. Umi ganador Fiero ohechauka habilidad guasu, especialización yvate, comprensión experta ha capacidad creativa umi creador rehegua. Oñeha'ãrõ Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua ha'eha creación ojehayhúva, admirada ha estimada, práctica ha innovadora. Ko diseño ohupytýva A' Design Award Fiero ombojoaju mejor práctica industria rehegua ha oguereko característica técnica competente ojoajúva conocimiento ha talento ndive. Whispers Under Wings Mbo'y Sã Mbo'yjegua oñerespeta hembiapo cuidadoso rupi ha oñemoĩ ome'ẽ hag̃ua mejora calidad de vida rehegua oipytyvõva yvy ape iporãve hag̃ua.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This pendant reimagines the beetle as a kinetic vessel of enchantment. The hollowed wings form a delicate architectural shell, encasing a suspended sprite that moves freely within. As the wearer moves, the inner fairy gently shifts, producing a clear, bell-like resonance. The design merges sculptural precision with interactive sound, transforming jewelry into a living, sensory experience defined by motion, lightness, and subtle acoustic presence.
Dimensions & Packaging: 20mm x 40mm x 15mm, silver weight 18.1g
Tags: Fairy, Beetle, Necklace, Niutopia
Production Technology: The design was developed through digital modeling to precisely define the hollow structure and internal suspension system. Using lost-wax casting, the beetle form was translated into metal while preserving fine openwork details. The inner sprite element was fabricated and integrated through a concealed kinetic mounting. Final processes included hand finishing, polishing, and careful assembly to ensure balanced movement and acoustic clarity.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was developing a hollow structure that could securely contain the inner sprite while allowing it to move freely and produce sound. The internal spacing had to be carefully adjusted to prevent obstruction while maintaining stability. Achieving the right balance between structural strength and visual lightness required multiple prototypes. Special attention was given to suspension, weight distribution, and assembly to ensure both durability and consistent kinetic response.
Research: The design was influenced by the forests of Vancouver, where close observation of insects, organic structures, and natural movement sparked imaginative exploration. Sketching and prototyping were used to study how a protective outer form could contain a delicate inner presence. Special attention was given to creating a hollow structure that allows internal movement while maintaining stability. Through iterative testing, the relationship between protection, motion, and sound was refined, resulting in a piece that reflects the quiet vitality and mystery of nature.
Inspiration: The design is inspired by the beetle, a symbol of protection, transformation, and resilience. By envisioning the beetle as a living vessel, the piece explores the idea of an inner spirit sheltered within a structured exterior. The suspended sprite represents fragility and imagination, while the hollow wings suggest permeability rather than enclosure. Movement and sound become metaphors for presence, reminding the wearer that life, even when protected, remains dynamic and responsive.
Project Duration: The project stated in December 2025 in Vancouver and finished in January 2026.
Operation Flow: The pendant comes to life through the wearer’s movement. As the body shifts, the small inner sprite gently moves within the hollow beetle form, creating a soft, bell-like sound. This subtle motion transforms the piece from a static object into a responsive presence. The interaction is intuitive and continuous, allowing the wearer to experience the jewelry not only visually, but through sound and movement.
Team Members: Sirui Zhu
Image Credits: Image#1: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#2: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#3: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#4: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#5: Photographer Sirui Zhu