Tea Road: bronze jewelry collection

A curated assortment of bronze souvenirs and jewelry, influenced by the rich heritage and cultures of Siberia, Asia, and the Tea Road.

The Siberian Route, also known as the Tea Road, was a historical path linking European Russia to Siberia and China. This collection of bronze souvenirs draws inspiration from the Siberian Route, celebrating the people associated with the tea culture along this significant journey.

All these souvenirs and jewellery crafted from bronze (Cu + 5% Sn, 6% Zn, 5% Pb).

Flat figures, 40x50 mm

Samovar
A samovar (Russian) is a heated metal container traditionally employed to heat and boil water. Symbolizing the culmination of tea transportation from China to Russia, the samovar stands as the most prominent representation of tea drinking in Russian culture.

Samovar

Kuday-Mergen
Mergen (Tatar language) refers to a skilled hunter and archer, while Kudai signifies territorial affiliation. Represented here is an archer adorned in traditional attire, escorting carts carrying precious cargo—tea. This figure also serves as a guide along the journey.

Kuday-Mergen

Ayal
Ayal (Kyrgyz language) translates to "lady." The depicted lady represents the countries of Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Central Asian tea culture is distinguished by the use of pialas and specific furniture such as low tables (dastarkhan) and low seats, known as sufa.

Ayal

I personally crafted all these souvenirs and jewelry from bronze, overseeing the entire process from initial sketches to casting in 2014 as part of my bachelor project.

Necklaces, 20x30 mm

My inspiration stemmed from tea leaves and rosebay willow-herb. The metal components can be assembled into substantial neck jewelry or affixed to leather accessories, wool, or costumes.