Derived from the ancient Chinese art of paper cutting, the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon ingeniously weaves its hands, wheels, and H-shaped screws into a captivating 3D representation of an eastern dragon. Hublot breaks new ground by introducing a rubber strap with marquetry design, a groundbreaking feature in this limited edition collaboration with Chinese artist Chen Fenwan, comprising only 88 pieces. This masterpiece seamlessly melds tradition with modernity, embodying the essence of Hublot – always first, always unique, always different!
2024, in the Chinese zodiac, marks the return of the Dragon, a creature revered for its association with prosperity, luck, strength, and wisdom. As the Wood Dragon year unfolds, artist Chen Fenwan pays homage to wood through intricate paper-cutting, infusing the watch with the natural fibers that embody the soul and spirit of paper.
Can you unravel the mysteries concealed within the dragon’s design?
This creation is a metaphorical ode to the ‘Art of Fusion,’ epitomizing Hublot’s continuous exploration of materials and their expressive realms. Hands, cogs, and screws intricately layer in multi-dimensional formations, crafting a dragon’s silhouette through the skilled paper-cutting artistry of Chen Fenwan. The dragon’s head, composed of five layers alternating between hands, wheels, and H-shaped screws, extends its body and scales onto the strap, mirroring the vibrant colors of Chen Fenwan’s paper cut-out sculpture.
In celebrating the Year of the Dragon, this timepiece serves as a symbol of the ‘Art of Fusion,’ embodying the transformative spirit of the eastern dragon, also known as the Loong. Incorporating features from nine animals, the dragon symbolizes the continuous metamorphosis that has unfolded over thousands of years. Under Chen Fenwan’s skilled hands, this sacred creature becomes a talisman, celebrating the rich legacy of Chinese paper cutting, an art form dating back 2,000 years.
Hublot, renowned for its innovative spirit, welcomes Chinese tradition into 2024 with another first – a rubber strap featuring marquetry design. Collaborating with Chen Fenwan, Hublot seamlessly blends traditional Chinese “sculpture in the round” with contemporary art, creating a majestic and dynamic dragon that exudes an auspicious aura. This artwork symbolizes the ever-renewing totem of life, embodying Hublot’s philosophy of being first, unique, and different.
Encased in a 42mm titanium case, the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon translates the layered effects of paper cutting into a multi-level dial construction, extending the dragon’s silhouette onto the rubber strap. The intricate rubber marquetry motif, a pioneering feat for Hublot, involves hours of meticulous handwork for each strap. Limited to 88 pieces, this Chinese New Year celebration houses the HUB1710 automatic movement with a power reserve of 50 hours, accompanied by a titanium-grey Velcro fabric strap.
Chen Fenwan, a graduate of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, brings her mastery of paper art to life. Her works, characterized by large scale and multi-dimensional pieces, harmoniously blend personal experiences with universal memories, captivating a wide audience and inhabiting public spaces. Recognized by the Chinese Modern Art Archive, her creations continue to enchant viewers, offering new perspectives on contemporary paper cutting and the enduring allure of symmetry.
For more information, please visit Hublot.com.