Hui Di Li

Following the captivating narrative of the D-Nanna collection, Hui Di Li's Mullilu collection embarks on another extraordinary journey through time, drawing inspiration from the majestic artistry of ancient Assyria. Where D-Nanna whispered tales of celestial deities through cuneiform, Mullilu roars with the powerful symbolism etched onto 9th-century BC Neo-Assyrian palatial stone reliefs, breathing new life into these enduring motifs with a distinctly modern aesthetic.

At the heart of this exquisite collection lies the Tree of Life Earring, a testament to Hui Di Li’s exceptional ability to fuse historical significance with intricate contemporary design. Imagine a pair of elegantly sculpted 18k white gold hands, each finger elongated and slender yet possessing a palpable masculine strength in their defined musculature and bone structure. These hands, rendered with breathtaking naturalism and articulated joints, tenderly cradle an olive-shaped onyx, its surface hand-polished to a deep, calming black lustre.

This central onyx form represents the 'pine-cone', or Mullilu in Akkadian, signifying 'purifier'. Echoing the ancient depictions, the body of this 'pine-cone' shimmers with a lavish embrace of pavé-set black diamonds, each meticulously placed to capture and reflect light, adding a layer of contemporary opulence to this age-old symbol.

Adorning the wrists of these sculpted hands are delicate rosette bracelets, embossed in low relief. The radiating petals, meticulously calibrated with pointed floral tips in true Assyrian style, speak volumes about Antiquarian's dedication to preserving crucial cultural details within a modern context.

Yet, the true marvel lies in the symbolic 'tree of life' element. An abstract, removable pendant crafted from 18k white gold, its symbolic branches are delicately edged with embedded black diamonds. This evocative representation mirrors the flourishing greenery that often flanked the winged genies on the ancient reliefs, intrinsically linked to the 'pine-cone' held in their hands. The very essence of the design draws from the standardized, enigmatic compositions of these Assyrian winged-genies, where the Mullilu was believed to be dipped into a bucket of holy water and sprinkled over the 'Tree of Life' – a divine ritual of fertilisation and purification.

Turning to the reverse of these extraordinary earrings reveals a whimsical yet functional detail: the butterflies. Far from conventiona l, they are joyfully reimagined as realistic 18k white gold pomegranates, their lower bodies embraced by embossed rosette ornaments in low relief, echoing the wrist bracelets. A single black diamond nestles within the delicately sculpted, three-dimensional calyx of each pomegranate. This ingenious adaptation not only provides secure support but also introduces a lively, fruity element, balancing the composed, mysterious tones of the overall design. Furthermore, the pomegranate butterfly subtly pays homage to a compelling interpretation that the 'tree of life' itself may have been a pomegranate tree, alongside the more commonly assumed date palm.

Measuring 17mm in height, 16mm in width, and 6mm in side thickness, the Mullilu Tree of Life Earrings are more than just adornments; they are tangible links to a rich and fascinating past. They embody Hui Di Li’s exceptional vision, seamlessly weaving together the gravitas of ancient symbolism with the refined elegance of contemporary haute joaillerie. To wear these earrings is to carry a piece of history, a testament to the enduring power of cultural narratives, and a celebration of exquisite craftsmanship.