Faculty of Design

Material Art & Design

Lei Zhang

Murky Warrior(玄武)

Murky Warrior represents the north and winter and water elements. It is described as a divine beast composed of a turtle and a snake, with a black shell, thick back shell, strong shield and a strong defence. A black divine beast is usually described as a turtle and a snake. Murky Warrior is considered a guardian and protector, able to bring peace and stability, and a mascot and guardian god.

“I selected Murky Warrior's elliptical turtle shell and snake curve features to design. The pauldron is designed with a three-dimensional linear turtle shell, then using metal to weav on the frame using the textile technique. I use complex jumping rings for assembly and connection, creating a snake-shaped curve and flexible metal chain(I changed slightly from the established method). I designed a chain on the back with elliptical elements as the main feature. In addition, I choose to use amethyst and black acrylic laser cut as gemstones. ”