Chinese Silversmith Creates Stunning Tribal Crowns

Shot by photographer Asher Svidensky, 25, these beautiful images document the traditional clothing of the ancient Miao, an ethnic group which is made up of around 20 different tribes spread across Southern China.

Asher's journey led him to the isolated community of Kong-Bai, in the south-east of the country, where he snapped silversmith Long Zhong.

In Miao culture the art of being a silversmith is passed down through the generations – however each craftsman has to develop his own distinctive style, which is cultivated over a 10-year period.

Snapper Asher explained that the inspiration behind his project came from Chinese bank notes.

He said: “While travelling in China, I started looking at the money and noticed that every bill has a beautiful painting on it, each showing a different part of the country, including the Miao tribes.

“I wanted to get to know the artists who created the silver crowns and jewellery - the very people that create the thing that makes the tribes known across China.

“I photographed Long Zhong in his old, dark workshop where he uses the simplest of tools to creates the most incredible designs.

“The crowns and jewellery are different for every tribe and are worn at festivals, weddings and welcoming honoured guests.”

And the young photographer insisted that the villagers were delighted with his pictures.

He said: “The reaction was amazing, the Miao people that I showed the images were really happy with the project and hoped that more people will see their faces in busy, modern China.”