Interview with Zhang Lianhua, Designer Behind T.MAJOR: Merging Eastern

Debris (D): Zhang Lianhua, thank you for joining us today! T.MAJOR has quickly become renowned for its ability to blend Eastern aesthetics with modern jewelry design. Can you start by telling us about your background and the inception of T.MAJOR?

Zhang Lianhua (ZL): Thank you for having me. My journey with T.MAJOR began from a place of deep reverence for nature and the wisdom embedded in traditional Chinese culture. I graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where I immersed myself in the rich visual heritage of Chinese art while studying jewelry design. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how nature and human expression coexist. After years of honing my craft, I felt inspired to create a jewelry brand that would bring the beauty of Eastern traditions into the modern era. In 2020, T.MAJOR was born from my desire to merge the elegance of traditional Chinese aesthetics with the boldness of contemporary design.

D: T.MAJOR has a unique approach to jewelry design. Could you share with us your design philosophy and how you blend these two distinct worlds—Eastern tradition and modern art?

ZL: At T.MAJOR, our core design philosophy is to respect the timeless beauty of Eastern aesthetics while interpreting it through a modern, minimalist lens. Nature has always been my greatest inspiration, and I try to reflect the serene rhythms of nature in every piece I create. Whether it's the elegance of a flower, the intricacy of traditional Chinese patterns, or the simplicity of organic forms, I believe in capturing these elements in their purest and most meaningful form. T.MAJOR jewelry is designed to transcend mere ornamentation. It becomes an experience, where the jewelry resonates with the wearer’s inner world, reminding them of the connection between art, nature, and self.

D: Your designs are often described as a fusion of tradition and innovation. What steps do you take to ensure this balance in your creations?

ZL: The balance between tradition and innovation is key to our brand. I take inspiration from traditional Chinese art, whether it's the flowing lines of nature, classical symbols, or ancient patterns. However, I reinterpret these elements through contemporary design techniques. For example, I use modern materials like sterling silver, black enamel, and precious stones to reinterpret ancient symbolism. Each collection is a deep exploration of these ideas, where I aim to simplify complexity without losing the essence of the traditional craftsmanship. It’s about creating something new while honoring the past.

D: Your collections are incredibly thoughtful and meaningful. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind T.MAJOR’s latest collections?

ZL: Our collections are all deeply inspired by nature, human emotion, and cultural symbolism.

The Jimson Weed collection draws inspiration from the transformative beauty of the Jimson Weed flower. The trumpet-shaped blooms symbolize the cyclical nature of life—growth, decay, and rebirth. Each piece embodies elegance and strength, and the intricate use of silver and gemstones tells a personal story of growth and resilience.
The Garden of Whisper collection is inspired by the gentle whispers of nature—rustling leaves, the softness of petals, and dewdrops that glisten in the morning sun. It’s about capturing the stillness and peace found in nature’s quiet moments. The use of natural stones paired with delicate gold accents creates an intimate connection to the earth’s beauty.
The Maze collection is a bold exploration of life’s complexities, symbolized by intricate maze patterns. This collection challenges the wearer to navigate the twists and turns of life’s journey, with each piece representing the pursuit of individuality and self-discovery. The geometric forms and bold lines capture the challenges and rewards of finding one’s path.

D: The cultural significance of your designs is clear. How do you hope wearers of T.MAJOR jewelry connect with your pieces on a personal level?

ZL: My goal is to create pieces that speak to the individual. Jewelry should transcend adornment—it should become a part of the wearer’s personal journey. Each T.MAJOR piece is designed to evoke reflection and contemplation. Whether it’s the transformation represented in the Jimson Weed collection or the serenity found in the Garden of Whisper, I hope wearers connect emotionally with the pieces, reflecting on the deeper meanings of life, nature, and existence. Jewelry becomes more than just a decoration; it’s an experience that lives with the wearer.

D: With such thoughtful design and attention to cultural heritage, T.MAJOR has become a standout brand. What do you think sets T.MAJOR apart from other jewelry brands in the industry?

ZL: T.MAJOR stands apart because we fuse traditional culture with contemporary, wearable art. Many jewelry brands focus either on aesthetics or symbolism, but at T.MAJOR, we believe both must coexist. We don’t just create pieces that look beautiful—we design pieces that tell stories, provoke thought, and connect the wearer to a greater understanding of self. Our jewelry isn’t just about outward beauty; it’s about finding meaning and emotion within every piece. We bring the past into the present, offering an experience that resonates with modern life.

D: What can we expect next from T.MAJOR? Are there any new collections or projects you’re excited about?

ZL: We’re constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of design. We’re working on a collection that explores the concept of harmony between opposites—light and dark, soft and hard—symbolizing the balance we all seek in life. We’re also experimenting with new materials and innovative techniques to create even more expressive designs. There’s always something exciting on the horizon at T.MAJOR, and we’re thrilled to continue our journey of exploration and creation.

D: Finally, what message would you like to leave with your audience?

ZL: I want to thank everyone who has supported T.MAJOR and embraced our vision. I hope our jewelry brings a deeper connection to nature, culture, and the self. T.MAJOR is more than just jewelry—it’s a reminder that beauty, art, and life are intricately woven together. Our creations are meant to resonate with the wearer’s personal story, offering not just beauty, but meaning. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

D: Zhang Lianhua, thank you so much for sharing your insights and vision with us. We look forward to seeing T.MAJOR continue to evolve and inspire the world.

ZL: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.