"In Singapore, many international friends got their first glimpse of the unique charm of Nvshu, the world's only women's script, through my Nvshu-inspired jewelry creations," said Gao Juan, a jewelry designer born in the 1990s. In October this year, she showcased her Nvshu-inspired jewelry pieces titled "Nvshu" at the Singapore UltraLuxe Festival, attracting widespread attention. This marked the first time that Nvshu, a script traditionally confined to paper, transformed into jewelry. The UltraLuxe Festival is Asia's most prestigious festival for niche luxury. 

In October this year, Gao Juan, a jewelry designer born in the 1990s, showcased her Nvshu-inspired jewelry pieces titled "Nvshu" at the Singapore UltraLuxe Festival. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Nvshu is the world's only known script exclusively used by women. It has been passed down in the area around Shangjiangxu in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province. It takes the form of an elongated rhombus, often referred to as "mosquito script." Most of the writings are found on women's everyday items like fans and handkerchiefs. Nvshu primarily documents women's lives, including marriage, family, labor, and social interactions, expressing the happiness or sorrow of women. The Nvshu custom has been recognized as part of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage items.

The exhibited Nvshu-inspired jewelry included rings, bracelets, brooches, necklaces, earrings, and more.

In October this year, Gao Juan, a jewelry designer born in the 1990s, showcased her Nvshu-inspired jewelry pieces titled "Nvshu" at the Singapore UltraLuxe Festival. The photo above shows earrings inspired by the "woman" character from Nvshu. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Gao Juan also believes that Nvshu should not only appear in the form of an ancient script but should permeate into people's daily lives. She intends to attract young people to learn about Nvshu culture through attractive and interesting designs.

Currently, cultural creative products such as Nvshu notebooks, Nvshu embroidery, Nvshu pendants, and Nvshu tote bags have become fashionable items for many young people, enjoying good sales overseas. In September this year, Jiangyong County took the opportunity of holding the 2023 Jiangyong Nvshu International Music Tourism Week to promote Nvshu custom and cultural creative products, including Nvshu embroidery and marriage songs to visitors from home and abroad. 

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Chinanews