Chan's gems put on a sparkling display

From left: Three pieces by Chan: butterfly brooch, necklace and pendant in shape of a pea pod. GAO ERQIANG/CHINA DAILY

The highlight of the exhibition is a transformable bangle made of diamonds, jade and titanium, called Return of the King, which has been donated to the permanent collection of the Shanghai Museum.

While the circles and sparkles on the bangle are inspired by van Gogh's The Starry Night, the white jade carving underneath is a motif from the Warring States Period, Chan explained to guests during a preview of the show on Tuesday.

"I hope that many years later, people will still come to see the object at the Shanghai Museum," Chan says.

"I didn't have much education or artistic training, but through working hard over 50 years, I have managed to create something, and communicate with others through my work.

"I hope my creations outlive me, and may inspire others to create, too. I have chosen to work with materials that are close to eternal, such as titanium and gemstones. I hope to turn them into things that can last long, and be passed down through the generations," he says.

"We live with Chinese civilization, which spans five millennia, and I hope we can leave something behind us too, when we leave this world," he adds.

IF YOU GO

Wallace Chan: Half a Century July 3-Oct 7, 10 am-6 pm, closed on Tuesday

Bright Dairy & Food Exhibition Gallery 1

Shanghai Museum East, No 1952, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai