LONDON: Mulliner, Bentley’s Bespoke Studio has curated a range of unique bespoke collections that have been ‘Inspired by China’.
Rich in cultural inspiration, eight different collections have been produced with bespoke specifications using Bentley’s famous handcraftsmanship to combine colour, texture and design elegance.
The eight collections make up a highly exclusive element of the China market for Bentley.
The collections utilise the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), the Flying Spur and the Continental GT as unique canvases for the collections, inspired by animals, famous art works and symbolic objects.
In ancient China, Koi are believed to bring courage and luck, and their vibrant colours are deeply loved. The Bentayga EWB provided a large cabin area, ideal to display a strong contrast of colour in contrast with the texture of the centre console granite stone, both resembling the colours and texture of the Carp.
When reviewing the interior design, including embroidery and overlays, it was identified that the Koi fish needed to be swimming in a clockwise direction, as this has symbolic meaning and beliefs, embodying themes of good fortune, balance, and perseverance.
Also, the number six is generally considered to be lucky in China because 六 sounds like 流 (liú), and is associated with smoothness and success.
There are six fish detailed in the car, four in the form of embroidery to each seat and two overlays in the veneered waistrails.
This collection was inspired by the painting ‘A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains’ by Wang Ximeng. "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" is a renowned Chinese landscape painting created during the Song Dynasty (960–1276).
Completed when Wang was just 18 years old, this monumental scroll measures approximately 11.9 meters (about 39 feet) in length.
The painting features a majestic panorama of mountains, rivers, and valleys, showcasing the harmony between nature and man. The intricate details of the landscape are complemented by a variety of trees, boats, and figures, inviting viewers to explore its depth.
Wang Ximeng employed a meticulous technique called "blue-green landscape," using vibrant blues and greens to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
Another highlight collection is Ru Yi. "Ru Yi" (如意) is a traditional Chinese decorative object that symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and the fulfilment of wishes.
Ru Yi is often crafted in the shape of a sceptre or a wand, typically featuring a curved, cloud-like head and a long, straight handle.
The head is often adorned with intricate carvings or inlaid with gemstones, and can be made from various materials, including wood, jade, and metal.
The Flying Spur collection comes in three colour specifications and all include the intricately embroidered decorative object which can be seen in gold thread to the seat facing and matched in silver overlay to the passenger fascia and treadplates.
The gold thread is complemented with a chevron pinstriped centre console and gold exterior badging.
