"Valley of Orchids"

"Running in the Forest"

"Leaf for a Millennium"

At the 8th China-South Asia Exposition and the 26th China Kunming Import and Export Fair, three uniquely crafted commemorative brooches caught the eyes of many, which are "Valley of Orchids", "Running in the Forest", and "Leaf for a Millennium."

"The design inspiration for the 'Valley of orchards' brooch comes from a marvelous encounter," said designer Zhao Yi. During this year's Spring Festival, he discovered a uniquely shaped orchid while photographing in the primeval forests of Malipo County. Confirmed by experts as the "Flat Stem Cheirostylis", it was rediscovered in China after 22 years. The brooch employs traditional Yunnan silver crafting techniques to simulate the intricate textures of the petals and bracts, showcasing the plant's distinctive charm.

The "Running in the Forest" brooch is based on the Western Black Crested Gibbon. To perfectly capture its allure, Zhao Yi selected abalone shell material. This material's iridescent effect under different lighting beautifully represents the gibbon's diverse fur colors, highlighting the design's exquisite craftsmanship.

The design concept for the "Leaf for a Millennium" brooch reflects the profound culture of the World Heritage Site—the Pu'er Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape. With support from the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Center and Beijing Normal University, Zhao Yi infused the vitality and prosperity of the Jingmai Mountain tea trees into the brooch. Using silver plating and green gemstone inlay techniques, he imbued the brooch with rich cultural significance.

"The design intent behind these three brooches is to make Yunnan's labels as a 'Kingdom of Plants, Kingdom of Animals, and World Garden' more tangible," said Zhao Yi. The brooches delve into and present Yunnan's unique culture, aiming to showcase its rich natural and cultural heritage, enhance public awareness of ecological protection and cultural inheritance, and inspire visitors from all corners to yearn for a beautiful life in Yunnan.

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(Editors: Ines, Amy)