Crafting Nature’s Spirit — Hung Tzu-Han’s Jewelry Design Wins Silver at FADA

Emerging young designer Hung, Tzu-Han has been awarded the Silver Prize in the Accessory Design – Jewelry Design category at the Future Art & Design Award UK 2025 Autumn Season for the work Song of Iridescent Feathers.

The jury praised the piece as “a vibrant and elegantly crafted piece that masterfully blends tradition and innovation, radiating cultural vitality and creative freedom.”

Song of Iridescent Feathers takes inspiration from the Taiwan Barbet, an endemic bird species celebrated for its colorful plumage and symbolic connection to happiness, prosperity, and the vitality of spring. Through intricate metalwork and gemstone detailing, the piece captures the harmony between resilience and gentleness found in nature’s cycles — reflecting both cultural heritage and a deep respect for Taiwan’s biodiversity.

At just a high school student, Hung’s achievement highlights remarkable craftsmanship and artistic maturity, combining environmental awareness with creative exploration. The work serves as a tribute to sustainability, life, and hope — a reflection of youth’s perspective on nature and design.

Q: What initially inspired this project? Was there a particular idea, moment, or question that sparked its creation?

Tzu-Han: The inspiration for Song of Iridescent Feathers came from the Taiwan Barbet, an endemic bird species of Taiwan. Its brilliant feathers symbolize happiness, prosperity, and the vitality of spring, while also reflecting the island’s rich biodiversity and vibrant life.

When I observed how it builds its nest inside dead wood, I was deeply moved by the resilience and gentleness it embodies in nature’s cycle.

I combined natural gemstones with metal craftsmanship to capture the beauty of Taiwan’s ecosystem. This piece is not only a piece of jewelry but also a blessing from the land of Taiwan—a reminder to cherish nature and to continue the sustainable cycle of life. I hope every wearer can feel the warmth and hope that belong to this island.

Q: What was the most exciting or most challenging aspect of bringing this work to life?

Tzu-Han: As a high school student, this piece was a big challenge for me. I learned how to grind jade and how to complete a project entirely from scratch.

During those days, I took time after my heavy schoolwork to practice, constantly exploring and experimenting, until the ideas in my mind slowly became reality.

Although the process was full of uncertainty and difficulties, when I finally completed this piece, I deeply understood the power of design—it is the touching feeling of turning dreams into something real.

This piece is not only a part of my learning journey but also a milestone in my growth. It feels like a lamp that lights up my future path in design, reminding me to never forget my original passion no matter how difficult the road ahead may be.

Finally, I sincerely thank the judges for their recognition. This encouragement will continue to inspire me to move forward.

I am a high school student from Taiwan, and I truly love design.

I especially enjoy creating connections between design, art, technology, and sustainability. I like transforming materials such as metal, jade, and recycled plastic into meaningful creations. Through these pieces, I hope to convey social care and raise awareness of environmental issues.

To me, design is not only a display of beauty but also a force that can make the world a better place. Every piece I create carries my belief that even a small design can light up people’s hearts.