Meet Wei Deng

Guzheng Artist

Wei Deng is originally from Sichuan, China. She graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an MA in Arts Management in 2020 and is now a guzheng artist based in Belfast.

Being part of Bridges to China has been a profound experience for Wei. Exploring Chinese material culture and heritage has influenced her creative practice, opening new artistic possibilities in her music. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to cross-cultural understanding and hopes the project continues to connect communities across borders.

Watch Wei’s Story

Video also available on Panopto

Jaded Memories

I am very happy to write about this special piece from my collection, a traditional Chinese jade carving called 玉跪人 (Yu Gui Ren), which literally translates to “jade kneeling figure”. Crafted from nephrite jade, this artefact depicts a person in a kneeling posture, a gesture of profound respect in ancient Chinese culture.

What makes this piece unique is its phonetic symbolism. In Mandarin, “玉跪人” sounds identical to “遇贵人”, meaning to meet noble or kind people or to encounter good fortune through helpful mentors.

This carving blends artistic beauty with cultural belief. Its smooth lines and serene expression reflect both craftsmanship and the hope for meaningful connection in life. To me, it is more than an ornament. It is a reminder to value kindness and to stay open to meeting people who enrich my journey in life.