Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant) by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant) by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mubairo weSimbi we A' Design Award in Dhizaini yeZvishongo Competition Category.

SimbiZvishongo· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant)

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

Mubairo weSimbi we A' Design Award Winner in Zvishongo Category

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The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant)

Whispers Under Wings chishongo chemuhuro chakagadzirwa sechipembenene. Mapapiro asina chinhu mukati anoumba goko rakavezwa zvakanyorovera rine kakasikirwa kadiki kakaturikwa mukati. Sezvo anopfeka achifamba, kakasikirwa kari mukati kanofamba-famba kachiburitsa ruzha rwakapfava rwakafanana nebhero. Chishongo ichi chakagadzirwa kuburikidza nekugadzira mifananidzo pakombiyuta uye chakaitwa nesirivha kuburikidza nenzira yekukanda inonzi lost-wax casting, zvichiteverwa nekupedzisa nemaoko, kubwinyisa uye kubatanidza nekungwarira. Chishongo ichi chine mamirimita makumi maviri nemakumi mana negumi nemashanu. Chipembenene chinoshandiswa sechiratidzo chekudzivirirwa, kushanduka uye kutsungirira, ukuwo kakasikirwa kanofamba-famba kanoratidza kupfava uye fungidziro.

The Recognition

About the Mubairo weSimbi we A' Design Award

Mubairo weSimbi we A' Design Award wakahwinwa ne Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant), rukudzo runokudzwa runopiwa kumadhizaini akanaka anozadzisa zvinodiwa zvehunyanzvi neyeindasitiri zvinotarisirwa kuzvigadzirwa zvakagadzirwa zvakanaka. Vakunda veSimbi vanoratidza unyanzvi hukuru, hunyanzvi hwakakwirira, kunzwisisa kwevakachenjera uye kugona kwekugadzira kwevagadziri vavo. Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant) inotarisirwa kuva chigadzirwa chinokudzwa zvakanyanya, chinoremekedzwa uye chinodiwa, chinoshanda uye chine zvitsva. Dhizaini iyi yakahwina Mubairo weSimbi we A' Design Award inosanganisa maitiro akanakisa eindasitiri uye ine hunhu hwetekinoroji hwakakwana hwakabatana neruzivo nehunyanzvi. Nekushanda kwayo zvakanaka, Whispers Under Wings Chishongo cheMuhuro (Pendant) inoremekedzwa uye yakagadzirirwa kupa kuvandudzwa kwehupenyu kunobatsira kuita kuti nyika ive nzvimbo iri nani.

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