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Lots of love! Aisha and Cate
Three-Cup Chicken Ring
Taiwan Collection
Inspiration: Three-cup chicken (sanbeiji)
Materials: Gold, enamel, mixed gemstones
Craft Detail: Color-segmented setting
Region: Tainan
Dish Profile: Savory, sauce-based
Inspiration
This ring is inspired by three-cup chicken (sanbeiji), a Taiwanese dish prepared using soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine in equal proportions. The finished dish is visually defined by deep brown glaze, green basil leaves, and red-brown highlights from sesame oil. These elements are reflected in the jewellery through soy-toned gemstones, green accent stones, and dark red enamel details. Three-cup chicken is cooked without added liquid, allowing ingredients to coat and reduce directly in the pan, a process referenced in the ring’s dense color placement.
Discovery
Aisha and Cate encountered three-cup chicken at a small family-run restaurant in Tainan. They noted that the dish relies on sequence rather than precise measurement, with ingredients added at specific stages. Cate focused on how color deepens during reduction, while Aisha observed how basil is introduced at the final stage. These observations informed the jewellery design through layered material application and clearly separated color zones, tested through sketches and sample settings.
Travel Diary
During the visit, Aisha and Cate observed that the pan is never fully cleaned between batches to preserve flavor. This accumulation influenced the decision to avoid overly polished finishes in certain areas of the ring.
Where we find our Jewellery inspiration
Click to discover our unique jewellery pieces! Inspired by food and craftsmenship all over the world.