Microstrain at the Puyuan International Contemporary Jewellery Art and Design Biennale

中文版 - Chinese version      

Jewellery, though small in scale, carries profound cultural genes. It is the language of the body, a vessel of memory, and an expression of identity and aesthetic sensibility.

Microstrain is also a working attitude and a methodological approach. It precisely captures the essence of jewellery art: the secret yielding of metal under tension, the delicate equilibrium achieved in the setting of gemstones. It reflects the resilience of individual creators amid global cultural shifts and technological tides — that supple yet enduring adaptability akin to precious metals, where infinite possibilities converge within the smallest of scales. Through processes of fine adjustment and translation, the Biennale emerges in response to the contemporary condition — transforming adornment into a silent cultural dialogue. 

The thematic exhibition of the inaugural Puyuan International Contemporary Jewellery Art and Design Biennale comprises eight national pavilions. Each is independently curated by a distinguished representative from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand — all deeply engaged in the field of jewellery. Together, they present the latest explorations of artists from their respective countries: from poetic investigations into the microstructures of metal to profound metaphors connecting wearable objects and social consciousness. Every piece crystallizes the tension between inner resilience and external “stress.”

Microstrain is thus both the creative force that dives deep into material essence and the subtle gear that drives the evolution of contemporary jewellery and design. In Puyuan, let's witness how art and design resonate on a microscopic scale — weaving through countless delicate strains — to shape a luminous, resilient future for contemporary jewellery.

Executive Comittee: 
- Biennial President: CHEN Xianghong
- Supervising Producer: CHEN Yu
- Chief Curator: CHEN Youtong
- Executive Producer: YAO Jie
- Academic Director: SUN Jie
- Art Director: CAI Xingyun
- Project Director: SHI Chong, LIU Yunling, SHI Qi

Host Organization: 
Puyuan Fashion Resort

Organization Institutes: 
- Dingdu Cultural Foundation
- JCC International Contemporary Center
- TRIPLE PARADE


About Puyuan Fashion Resort

Puyuan Fashion Resort is the “twin ancient town” to Wuzhen, created by the same visionary planning and design team. While Wuzhen celebrates culture, Puyuan embraces fashion. The two sit side by side, complementing each other in theme, sharing resources yet thriving independently.

As China’s largest wool sweater market and knitwear hub, Puyuan Fashion Resort redefines fashion beyond clothing, curating a lifestyle of quality and aesthetics. It is designed as a dynamic ecosystem where design, showcase, trade, retail, and experience come together—making it not only a fashion industry cluster but also a high-end travel destination.

Drawing from the waterways and landscapes of Jiangnan, the town blends Tang and Song architectural influences with an imposing grandeur that sets it apart from traditional ancient towns. True to its identity as “China’s Fashion Ancient Town,” Puyuan is constantly innovating and breaking boundaries.

Since its grand opening in 2023, Puyuan Fashion Resort has become a stage for trend-setting events: the Douyin Creators Conference, GQ Men of the Year Gala, Puyuan Fashion Week, Figaro Music Party, Asia Wedding Style 2024, and the China showcase of New York Fashion Week · New Discoveries. It has also been featured in hit shows such as Everybody Stand By, Go Fighting!, Cats in the Box, and The Legend of Shen Li.

With every collaboration and cultural crossover, Puyuan Fashion Resort is accelerating its growth, proving itself as a bold fusion of tradition and fashion—and a new landmark on the global style map.