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Lots of love! Aisha and Cate
Lu Rou Fan Pendant
Taiwan Collection
Inspiration: Lu rou fan
Materials: Gold, brown gemstone, pearls
Craft Detail: Central stone with bead surround
Region: Central Taiwan
Dish Profile: Savory, braised
Inspiration
This pendant is inspired by lu rou fan, a common Taiwanese dish consisting of minced pork braised in soy sauce and spices, served over steamed rice. Visually, the dish is characterized by dark glossy meat, light rice grains, and a clear separation of components. These features are reflected in the jewellery design through a caramel-brown central stone, rice-white pearl accents, and smooth gold curves that frame the composition. Lu rou fan is typically prepared by slow braising to concentrate color and flavor, a process that informed the pendant’s dense center and defined outline.
Discovery
Aisha and Cate encountered lu rou fan at a small family-run restaurant in Taichung known for lunchtime service. They observed how the dish is assembled with pork added last to preserve contrast against the rice. Cate focused on the spatial arrangement of components, while Aisha noted the consistency of portioning. These observations were translated into jewellery through centralized stone placement, measured pearl spacing, and proportion sketches developed on site.
Travel Diary
Aisha and Cate noticed that bowls are warmed before serving to keep the dish temperature stable. This detail later influenced the choice of rounded, enclosing metal forms in the pendant.
Where we find our Jewellery inspiration
Click to discover our unique jewellery pieces! Inspired by food and craftsmenship all over the world.