“琀，送死口中玉也。”
People put jade (Han-琀) in the mouth of the dead for blessings in the afterlife.
In Chinese burial rituals, han (琀) represents fortune that people carry to the afterlife.
Meanwhile, no secrets shall be told or spread, as the dead‘s mouths are so stuffed so they can’t talk anymore.
Picture from Guangyun 廣韻(page 103),
a Chinese rime dictionary that was compiled from 1007 to 1008 under the patronage of Emperor Zhenzong of Song.
I cast gummies in the same shape as traditional jade figurines.
I wrapped the gummy hans and silicone gels with plastic packages and served the candies during the show opening.
Hunping (魂瓶), translated as soul jar or soul vase, is a type of ceramic funerary urn often found in the tombs of the Han dynasty and especially the Six Dynasties periods of early imperial China.
Such jars are characterized by rather plain lower portions, often with low-relief designs on the surface, juxtaposed with complex sculptural assemblages that adorn the upper portions.
Hunping is used a candy jar in this project.
I also prepared a hand-made recipe book.
Han (Gummy Version)
Ingredients
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1 pack of jello (3 oz.)
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2 packs of gelatin (0.5 oz.)
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1/2 cup of water
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1/4 cup of corn syrup
Instructions:
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Mix all the jello and gelatin with water.
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Add corn syrup.
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Make sure there are no clumps in the mixture.
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Pour the mixture into a saucepan set on low heat.
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Mix until all dissolved and turn clear, then remove the heat.
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Using the dropper, add into the mold.
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Place in fridge to cool and form.