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“From the beginning the meander was not only an ornament;
it was a symbol, a metaphor for water.”
Marija Gimbutas, Archeologist (1921-1994)

 

This ancient geometric shape transcends time. With it’s water surface texture it’s a token that symbolizes the energy and movement of life. It also represents the bonds of love, friendship, and devotion. The Meander makes a great gift for a friend, family member, or as a set for a newly married couple.

This ancient geometric shape transcends time. With it’s water surface texture it’s a token that symbolizes the energy and movement of life. It also represents the bonds of love, friendship, and devotion. The Meander makes a great gift for a friend, family member, or as a set for a newly married couple.

The Meandering Menderes
Like with many things we’re influenced by the everyday, and the beautiful elements of the natural world. The Meander motif or Greek Key was inspired by the twisting and turning Meander River, which is now called the Büyük Menderes River and resides in Turkey.

More ancient than ancient Greece
Most people affiliate the Greek Key with Greece (hence the name of course). But it’s actually much older than that. The oldest found examples of meander patterns are from Mezin (Ukraine) and date about 23,000 B.C. These patterns are fairly simple and have been found through the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Prehistoric examples seem to have developed independently in Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. We really are all connected. It’s really incredible how the human mind works. Perhaps it’s the way our consciousness evolves, we’re all on the same or similar journey as a species together.

Symbolism
This ancient geometric shape transcends time. It represents infinity, water, and the energy and constant flow and movement of life. The key in an unbroken line shows the symbolism of infinity by allowing itself to be repeated over and over again without breaking. A single Meander geometric has four corners, sometimes it stands for the four cardinal points (north, south, east, and west), or the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). It also signifies the bonds of love, friendship, devotion. The traditional Greek key or spiral Meander shape represents waves and water.

Inspiration Board for the Meander Collection (Click on the image)

Meander Pinterest Board

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Re-imaging gingham using a unique chainmaille approach to creating fabric in metal.

Re-imaging gingham using a unique chainmaille approach to creating fabric in metal.

From the wild west, to mod youth culture, rockabilly style, and seaside glamour – gingham has weaved its way in and out of fashion since the days of yore, actually way before the days of yore.

Checkered History
Many have claimed to have invented gingham; America, Germany, Northern Italy, France, India, and more. Gingham has a long past and equally interesting symbolism has been associated to the fabric. If gingham was a new fabric it wouldn’t have the scope of meaning it has, especially globally.

  • Indonesia: The battle between good and evil
  • Japan: Used to wrap statues after the death of a child
  • Africa: Masaï tribe used in as part of their national costume (celebrations)

Gingham-Storyboard_v2Out of Africa
The checked patterns longest history is with the Masaï tribe in Africa, who have been making the fabric for a couple thousand years – true story.

Nostalgic, unassuming, youthful, and chic
Every decade seems to have stamped gingham with its own brand of newness. Whether it’s a throwback or a re-imagining, gingham is the homecoming comeback queen of fashion textiles. It tends to turn up when we need it, symbolizing freshness, simplicity, and wholesomeness.

Learn more about gingham: V is for Vintage

Storyboard and inspiration board to help create the jewellery story for the Mesh Gingham Collection.

Storyboard and inspiration board to help create the jewellery story for the Mesh Gingham Collection.

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