Reviving History Through Modern Jewellery: The Susa Bird Set

Zoha Khaniki's Award-Winning Design Merges Ancient Persian Motifs with Contemporary Aesthetics

Zoha Khaniki, a prominent designer, has created a jewellery set that is both modern and deeply rooted in history. The 'Susa Bird Set' is inspired by Persian ancient pottery, particularly the Susa Goblet. Khaniki aimed to reinterpret historical visual elements of Iran in a contemporary context, not merely by applying traditional motifs to everyday objects, but by infusing the spirit of the past in a subtle and nuanced manner.

What sets the Susa Bird Set apart is its ability to offer modern minimal gold jewellery that is intrinsically linked to ancient times. The design, while appearing simple at first glance, reveals intricate details upon closer inspection, creating a sense of mystery and sparking curiosity about the story behind it. The jewellery pieces, made from 18k gold, are laser cut on 0.6mm plates and assembled using gas torch and laser welding. The final product is polished to perfection.

The design process for the Susa Bird Set was not without its challenges. Khaniki had to ensure that the historical forms used fit the modern aesthetic sense while still being recognizably Persian. The pieces also had to be designed for production via laser cut, with simple details to ensure the perfection of outsourced production. Furthermore, a weight limit was set, adding another layer of complexity to the design process.

The Susa Bird Set is part of the 'Gelin Collection' for Carin Design Studio. The project, which began in March 2015 and concluded in May 2015 in Tehran, was launched in March 2016. The collection was developed after extensive market research, which identified a gap in the market for traditional yet simple jewellery. The Susa Bird Set, along with other pieces in the Gelin Collection, was designed to fill this gap.

The Susa Bird Set has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics. With the Susa Bird Set, Zoha Khaniki has indeed created a piece of jewellery that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also carries a rich historical narrative.