Pallion x Lindy Lee

Xiaolong is a limited-edition jewellery collection and collaboration between jewellery-maker Palloys (a Pallion subsidiary) and Lindy Lee.

This hand-crafted collection of 18 karat gold and jade jewellery is inspired by Abundance, a pure gold companion creation of Lee’s most ambitious work to date, Ouroboros.

Lee discusses the significance and making of her first-ever jewellery collection, Xiaolong, below.

'All my life I have always worn gold and jade,' Lee explains. 'I’ve grown to love these rare materials not just because their monetary value but because they have become part of my being. They tie me to my matrilineal ancestors, my mother, my grandmother, my sister and in a sideways step, to my husband Rob. I can only work with materials with which I feel an authentic connection with.'

'As it happens, gold and jade are sacred in Chinese folklore,' Lee says. 'In Chinese culture, jade (⽟,yù) is highly revered. Known as the 'stone of heaven', it symbolises prosperity, good fortune and vitality. It also represents qì (⽓), the life force that flows through and around all living things. Gold is everlasting and durable. It is associated with power, wealth, longevity and happiness.'

Lee's first-ever jewellery collection is titled Xiaolong, meaning little dragon or snake in Chinese, and takes inspiration from her works Abundance and Ouroboros.

The Xiaolong collection – comprising a ring, earrings, pendant and bangle – is limited to 25 pieces of each style globally and is attainable for a limited time at the National Gallery Art Store and, via Lee’s Sydney gallery, Sullivan + Strumpf.

Proceeds from the sale of the collection will support the National Gallery.

For enquiries, please contact shop@nga.gov.au