Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is set to dazzle the world with four extraordinary ‘Year of the Dragon’ Bespoke commissions, marking the onset of the Lunar New Year on February 10, 2024. Crafted with precision and care at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, these rare masterpieces – three Phantom Extended models and one Cullinan – stand as a testament to the celebration of Chinese culture through bespoke artistry, transcending borders to enchant admirers worldwide.
Drawing inspiration from the dragon, an enduring symbol of power, success, and prosperity, the ‘Year of the Dragon’ Bespoke commissions showcase a modern and minimalistic interpretation never before seen in a Rolls-Royce. The Bespoke Collective at Rolls-Royce embarked on a journey to create a dragon design that is both contemporary and respectful of the original form, reflecting the universal nature of Chinese culture.
The Bespoke commissions feature fascia panels adorned with highly contemporary dragon artworks, individually hand-painted by a dedicated Rolls-Royce artist. Each artwork is a unique exploration of the color red, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. The complex three-dimensional motif is achieved through a meticulous process involving multiple hues of red applied in four stages, taking over two weeks for each piece.
To create the intricate detailing, lacquer was carefully applied after each layer of paint, ensuring a flawless finish on the white background. The result is a lifelike 3D effect that appears as if the dragon has been intricately carved into the fascia, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Rolls-Royce.
The dragon motif seamlessly extends into the interior of the motor car. Phoenix Red stitching on the headrests of all four seats creates a striking contrast with the Black or White seat leather. The meticulous alignment of stitch direction and density, particularly along the dragon’s tail, imparts a sense of fluidity and movement to the design. Each embroidery comprises 5,449 stitches and requires around 20 hours to complete.
In three of the commissions, the rear Piano Black picnic tables feature a minimalist representation of the Chinese zodiac calendar in inlaid stainless steel, with the dragon highlighted in gold. The fourth motor car boasts a Bespoke dragon artwork inlaid in the Piano Black veneer in stainless steel. The pièce de résistance is the Bespoke Starlight Headliner, a dramatic expression of the mythical creature featuring 677 individually placed fiber-optic ‘stars’ forming an abstract dragon motif, surrounded by an additional 667 lights.
The Bespoke designers crafted unique colorways for each model, including a duotone Cherry Red with Crystal finish over Selby Grey for the Cullinan and two-tone Silver and Cherry Red or monolithic Black with a Crystal finish for the Phantom Extended motor car commissions. All four models feature a hand-painted Phoenix Red coachline subtly incorporating a dragon motif, symbolizing the rising sun as each dragon faces right, representing the East.
These ‘Year of the Dragon’ Bespoke commissions are not just motor cars; they are unparalleled works of art that transcend cultural boundaries, bringing the spirit of the dragon to discerning enthusiasts worldwide. Rolls-Royce invites aficionados to marvel at these extraordinary creations, showcasing the brand’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
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