Drawing Inspiration from the Concept of Wenwan
When asked about Aroundsquare, it can be challenging to describe what the company and the products are all about. Aroundsquare occupies a curious space. Our customers get what we are all about, but putting it into words is another matter. Most of our products don’t fit neatly into any category. That's part of their appeal, because after all, our customers don't either. Our products span the space between serious tools and playful diversions. Resonating strongly with what we create is a rich concept that has shaped centuries of craftsmanship, play, and mindfulness--the Chinese concept of wenwan.
Wenwan refers to a range of special items, and their use. These are special items, made to be handled, appreciated for their aesthetic beauty, and valued for the personal connection they create through use. These cultural accoutrements, typically made from special materials, become more than just objects. Through use and time, they slowly transform, showing wear and developing a patina and a personality unique to their owner.
This wenwan spirit resonates strongly with the philosophy of Aroundsquare. Our products, from begleri to chetki and knucklebones, are designed to be used, felt, and experienced in ways that go beyond mere functionality. Like Wenwan objects, their use encourages mindfulness and personal cultivation, leaving an imprint that is both physical and intangible.
We invite you to explore our products as modern Wenwan—tools for cultivating focus, enhancing dexterity, and connecting with a tradition and culture that values the subtle art of play and personal interaction. Our products, like Wenwan, are meant to evolve with you, becoming a reflection of your journey.
Deeper into Wenwan
The Chinese concept of Wenwan (文玩) refers to the traditional practice of collecting, appreciating, and playing with cultural or artistic objects, often for personal enjoyment and self-cultivation. The term wenwan consists of two Chinese characters: "wen" (文), which means culture or literature, and "wan" (玩), meaning play or toying with something. Together, it reflects the idea of "cultural playthings" or "scholarly play."
Origins and Cultural Context
Wenwan has deep roots in traditional Chinese culture, particularly among the literati (scholarly) class during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Scholars and intellectuals often cultivated a love for refined objects as a form of self-expression and spiritual cultivation. Wenwan objects were believed to enhance one’s appreciation of beauty, connect the individual to nature, and aid in reflection and meditation.
The practice of handling and playing with these objects also served a tactile purpose—many Wenwan items were traditionally made from natural materials like wood, stone, jade, or bone, which change in appearance and texture as they are handled over time. The process of using, handling, and aging these objects has long been seen to enhance their beauty and value.
Traditional Wenwan Objects
The Wenwan philosophy has historically embraced a diverse array of traditional Chinese collectibles and playthings, placing great value on refined design, aesthetics, and craftsmanship. These objects invite interaction, encouraging mindfulness, enhancing aesthetic appreciation, and fostering a deeper connection with culture. Some of the popular wenwan objects have included the following:
Contact Balls (Baoding Balls/ Chinese Exercise Balls)
Contact balls are metal or stone spheres rotated in the hand to improve dexterity and stimulate acupressure points, traditionally used for both meditation and stress relief. By engaging in this practice, individuals aim to enhance finger strength, flexibility, and circulation while cultivating relaxation.
Tea Pets (茶宠, Cha Chong)
Tea pets are small, unglazed clay figurines, often shaped like animals or symbols of luck, placed on tea trays during ceremonies. As tea lovers pour leftover tea over them, the clay absorbs the liquid and gradually develops a patina, adding to their charm and personal significance.
Banzhi Rings (扳指, Archer’s Rings)
Banzhi rings were once used by archers to protect their thumbs from their bow strings. As militaries became less reliant on the bow, the banzhi took on new life as a symbol of status and authority. Banzhis were often crafted from jade, bone, or other fine materials that would slowly develop a polished finish through frequent handling, making them not just jewelry but objects that represented a personal story through their slow cultivation.
Jade Carvings and Pendants
Intricately carved jade pieces, often depicting animals or symbols of luck, have long been admired for their beauty and tactile appeal. Handling these carvings warms the stone and enhances its natural luster, adding a personal connection between the owner and the object over time.
Walnuts (文玩核桃, Wenwan Hetao)
Pairs of symmetrical walnuts, carefully rubbed and handled, develop a smooth patina over time. This practice has long been believed to cultivate mindfulness and relieves stress, with collectors valuing the gradual transformation of the walnuts’ surface through prolonged interaction.
Prayer Beads (佛珠, Fo Zhu)
Buddhist prayer beads, often made from sandalwood or Bodhi seeds, have traditionally been worn around the wrist or neck and used for meditation or counting prayers. As they are handled during use, the beads become smoother and shinier, reflecting their owner's journey in mindfulness and spirituality.
Cultural Seals (印章, Yinzhang)
Cultural seals carved from stone or fine woods were traditionally used as personal stamps or signatures. Collectors value the weight and smoothness of the seals, handling them to enhance their appearance while also appreciating their historical and cultural significance.
Contemporary Wenwan and Aroundsquare
In modern times, the term Wenwan has increasingly been adopted as a marketing term, often used in conjunction with mass-produced products, diluting its meaning along the way. Like many concepts of profound significance, its commercial use has broadened, yet the true essence of Wenwan endures. Just as Wenwan objects gain value and character through time and personal interaction, the term itself carries a lasting significance that withstands its commodification. Wenwan remains a symbol of something enduring, cultivated slowly through mindful appreciation.
Aroundsquare embraces this deeper meaning, crafting products that embody the spirit of Wenwan—designed to be handled, worn, and shaped by the user’s journey. In doing so, we aim to preserve the authentic value of Wenwan, creating modern tools that connect to a tradition of patience, personal growth, and mindfulness. While embracing the philosphy, we aim to help bring it into a contemporary context. Our begleri, knucklebones, chetki, and beaded ultras are all designed with aesthetics, functionality, and personal growth in mind. They are crafted to be more than just tools—they are objects meant to be carried often, used heavily, and appreciated for the marks they bear. Every dent and scratch reflects not only the honing of skills and focus but also the individuality of the user. By blending the spirit of traditional Wenwan with fresh materials and modern designs, we create tools for focus, play, and personal connection, honoring both the past and the present in a unique way.