Zhiyi Zhou

The fragrance industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Essential oil production generates substantial plant waste post steam-distillation. To address this, I propose repurposing these byproducts into wearable aromatherapy accessories, inspired by Chinese intangible cultural heritage craft He Xiang Zhu (Harmonious Incense Beads). The beads blend discarded plant residues with nanmu wood (Phoebe)powder as a natural binder, enhancing resource efficiency while promoting plant-based wellness through skin contact and pure scents. Design-wise, the work reinterprets the “Azure Dragon constellation”(Qinglong，Azure Dragon), a Daoist symbol of renewal, through minimalist dots and lines reflecting its seven celestial mansions (Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji). Aligning with the Wood element (azure hues, plant materials), the pieces combine incense beads, jade, and silver using deconstructive jewelry techniques, bridging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. This innovation transforms waste into ecological art, fostering deeper human-nature connections.