Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant) by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant) by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe in Nhazi Ọla Ịchọ Mma Competition Category.

IgweỌla Ịchọ Mma· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant)

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe Winner in Ọla Ịchọ Mma Category

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The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant)

Whispers Under Wings bụ ihe nkedo olu e mere n'ụdị ebe (beetle). Nku ya nwere oghere na-eme ka ọ bụrụ okpokoro dị nro ma mepee emepe, nke jidere obere mmụọ nta kwụ n'ime ya. Mgbe onye yi ya na-emegharị ahụ, mmụọ nta ahụ dị n'ime na-emegharị ma na-eme ụda dị nro dịka mgbịrịgba. E mepụtara ihe nkedo a site n'iji nhazi dijitalụ ma jiri ọlaọcha kpụọ ya site n'usoro nkpụ wax na-efu efu (lost-wax casting), gbasoro imecha ya n'aka, ihicha ya ka ọ na-egbu maramara na ijikọta ya nke ọma. Ihe a tụrụ milimita 20 site na 40 site na 15. E ji ebe ahụ mee ihe dịka akara nchebe, mgbanwe na ntachi obi, ebe mmụọ nta ahụ na-emegharị emegharị na-egosi adịghị ike na echiche mmepụta ihe.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe

Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant) meriri A' Design Award nke Igwe, nnabata dị ugwu e nyere design ndị dị mma nke na-emezu ihe ndị a chọrọ n'ọrụ na ụlọ ọrụ nke a na-atụ anya n'ihe e kere eke ndị e mere nke ọma. Ndị meriri na Igwe na-egosi nka buru ibu, ọkachamara dị elu, nghọta ọkachamara na ikike imepụta nke ndị kere ha. A na-atụ anya na Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant) ga-abụ ihe e kere eke a na-asọpụrụ nke ukwuu, a na-eto na a hụrụ n'anya nke bụ ihe bara uru ma dị ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Igwe na-ejikọta ụzọ kacha mma nke ụlọ ọrụ ma nwee àgwà teknụzụ kwesịrị ekwesị jikọtara na ihe ọmụma na talent. A na-asọpụrụ Whispers Under Wings Ihe Nkedo Olu (Pendant) maka nlezianya ya ma e mere ya ka ọ nye mmeziwanye ndụ nke na-enyere aka ime ka ụwa bụrụ ebe ka mma.

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