THE CROSS – BORDER INTEGRATION OF TRADITIONAL CERAMIC CRAFTS AND CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY DESIGN: INHERITANCE, INNOVATION, AND AESTHETIC EXPRESSION

Abstract

Purpose. This article focuses on the interdisciplinary integration of traditional ceramic craftsmanship and contemporary jewelry design, exploring key issues such as cultural inheritance, craft adaptation, material innovation, and market demand. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the Arts and Crafts Movement, the diversity of materials and technologies in jewelry saw significant advancements, which facilitated the development of ceramic jewelry. The aim of this research is to construct a dynamic framework of “cultural translation-innovation mechanism-value regeneration,” promoting the deep fusion of traditional ceramics with modern design. Methodology. The study constructs a multidimensional framework for innovative ceramic jewelry design. In the cultural dimension, a three-tier mechanism of “element extraction-meaning deconstruction-aesthetic translation” is established. This framework systematically analyzes ceramic patterns, forms, and cultural semantics, employing modern translation strategies to achieve a contemporary presentation of traditional craft aesthetics. In the craft dimension, it proposes a cross-material craft coordination plan, developing composite structural connection techniques for ceramics and metals, combining surface texture reconstruction and ergonomic thinning to overcome the wearability limitations of traditional ceramic jewelry. In the material innovation dimension, the study introduces gradient composite modification technology to develop low-density, high-toughness ceramic substrates, as well as photochromic glazes and metal-ceramic layered structures, aiming to synergistically optimize both material performance and artistic expression. Results. On the cultural level, the article discusses how to intricately extract cultural elements from ceramic craftsmanship in jewelry design while avoiding oversimplification. This ensures the continuity of cultural heritage and the integration of modern aesthetic concepts. In terms of craft adaptation, the article emphasizes the coordination between ceramics and other materials like metals, addressing practical concerns such as durability and comfort. Regarding material innovation, ceramic jewelry is renowned for its unique forms, diverse colors, and durability. Materials like enamel and glazes impart antioxidant properties to the jewelry, allowing it to retain its aesthetic appeal over time. To address the inherent fragility and weight of ceramics, the article suggests the use of improved and composite materials to enhance their practicality and durability in jewelry design. Ceramic jewelry can also be combined with other materials such as metals, feathers, and leather to create innovative, one-of-a-kind designs. From a market perspective, the article analyzes the consumer trends of ceramic jewelry and proposes how to meet personalized demands through innovative designs while optimizing the industry structure. Scientific novelty. In promoting innovation, the article emphasizes the importance of cultivating interdisciplinary talent and improving design education to foster the innovative development of ceramic craftsmanship and contemporary jewelry design. Through both material translation and cultural reconstruction, traditional ceramic craftsmanship injects new artistic expression into contemporary jewelry design. The article also discusses the work of Dutch artist Gésine Hackenberg as an example of how the concept of “readymade translation” is applied in ceramic jewelry creation, breaking through the limitations of traditional craftsmanship and introducing the design logic and methods of cultural translation. Practical relevance. The interdisciplinary integration of traditional ceramic craftsmanship and contemporary jewelry design not only promotes the living inheritance of cultural heritage but also drives design innovation and industry upgrading.