CRAFTSMANSHIP, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
FEATURE STORY
Since 2014, Chow Tai Fook Master Studio and the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong have carried out a research project on ancient Chinese goldsmiths, in the hope of illuminating their knowledge through a combination of history, scientific testing, and craftsmanship. In 2018, we entered the second phase of research, and released our findings in February 2023, to deepen public understanding of traditional goldsmithing.
The results of this research were presented to the public through the exhibition, “Golden Techniques II: Art of the Chinese Goldsmiths”, held at the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This exhibition sheds light on three major techniques: gold and silver inlay, damascene, and the production and use of gold wire, alongside hammer-chiselling, casting and precision gold soldering. Bangles, bracelets, ornaments, gold bars, buckles, rings, necklaces and pendants spanning 3,500 years of history were presented, showcasing ancient jewellery making techniques and design elements influenced by both Chinese and Western culture. The exhibition also included an interactive education area, where visitors could learn about the historical evolution of goldsmithing through interactive installations and craft restoration videos.
We also selected 36 craft ambassadors from Chow Tai Fook and The Chinese University of Hong Kong to boost public awareness and appreciation of a goldsmith’s craftsmanship, through guided tours and a series of in-depth experiential educational activities, such as seminars, craft demonstrations, workshops and lectures.
During this financial year, we developed the “re:form” jewellery project, breaking new ground in jewellery design by allowing customers to use their imagination to mix and match for different occasions as they repurpose pieces to extend the product lifecycle. The project demonstrates our pursuit for design innovation using new product textures and details. Its unique jewellery concept won the 2022 Red Dot Design Award in Germany and the International Design Award (“IDA”) Gold Award.
Chow Tai Fook participated in the second edition of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong “ReMIX” matching programme, sponsored by “CREATEHK” of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The programme aims to encourage more local brands to cooperate with designers, to improve product design standards in Hong Kong and thus create more development opportunities for local designers.
As a participating brand, we were pleased to collaborate with PONG, a Hong Kong industrial design team, to create products that empowered Hong Kong designers to bring new vision to the brand and long-term value to products.