Adjustable Ceramic Necklace with Sweet Hand-Painted Animals – by x chunmei

Inspiration

I've always wanted to design animal-shaped pendants, but given the nature of ceramics, I was always worried that overly three-dimensional or realistic forms might have limbs or wings that could easily get knocked off. Then one day, while sculpting with my six-year-old son, we collaborated to create “a cat with wings.” I adored this flat cat and suddenly realized it solved my wearability dilemma. It remained a small sculpture, yet far more three-dimensional and playful than anything cut from cookie cutters.
 
 This reminded me of the wooden building block figurines we collected at home—their edges sanded smooth and flat, feeling both rustic and clumsy in hand while radiating the warmth of wood. Thus, creating a series of animal sculptures like these blocks—a bit clumsy yet irresistibly charming—became the inspiration for this accessory collection.
 
An animal necklace, like a piece of soft candy, melts the heart. Amidst daily routines, I might yearn for travel yet lack the courage to pack my bags; or meticulously plan, only to find short holidays slip away, leaving precious little time for myself.
 
To befriend an animal companion requires no great courage. Beneath our adult shells, we can freely unfold childhood fantasies: whether it's a squirrel inviting me to drink honey water in a tree hollow, a duckling asking me to shelter under leaves during rain, or a puppy silently following me under the night sky, afraid I might get lost. Walking along the seemingly ordinary tracks of life, with the companionship of little animal friends, you can occasionally give your mood a break."

— Ceramic Artist chunmei

Materials

Ceramic, leather cord, handmade beads

Size

Total length approx. 49-95cm (adjustable)