Neckpiece #25

The combination of delicate weaving and bold designs evident in this neckpiece exists in much of Mary Lee Hu’s work. In the 1960s, while a student of metalwork, Hu took a weaving course, which inspired her to use textile techniques (such as threading, knotting, and weaving) in crafting her wire jewelry. This neckpiece, like much of her early work, is characterized by intricate forms with organic curves reminiscent of Art Nouveau. Neckpiece #25 illustrates Hu’s interests in abstraction and nature; the open laciness of the wire serves to accentuate the solidity of the jadeite pieces, while the design itself evokes a graceful bird in flight.