Searching for the Glass Beads from "Cape No. 7" – Dragonfly Elegant Nest Bead Art Studio

Text and photos by Liu Jiawen

Do you still remember the 2008 Taiwanese blockbuster "Cape No. 7"? In the film, the female lead, Tomoko, gives each band member a unique glass bead necklace, with each bead reflecting the life story of the character. As the movie became a hit, the glass beads of the Paiwan tribe also gained immense popularity as both accessories and gifts. The glass beads featured in "Cape No. 7" were created at the Dragonfly Elegant Nest Bead Art Studio in Sandimen Township, Pingtung County. Established in 1983 and nearing its 30th anniversary, the studio is led by founder Shi Xiuju and a group of tribal women who craft glass beads. They blend traditional bead art with modern design to create practical yet artistic lifestyle products such as glass bead jewelry, tableware, and wall decorations.

In Paiwan culture, glass beads, clay pots, and bronze knives are known as the “Three Treasures of the Paiwan,” essential items for inheritance or marriage among the nobility. The Paiwan people believe that glass beads are the most precious gifts bestowed by the Creator. They not only symbolize nobility and beauty but also represent the wearer’s status, rights, and position. Each traditional glass bead carries its own unique story and special meaning, as well as varying ranks of nobility. For example, the “Warrior Bead” worn by the male lead Aga in the film represents strength, diligence, and bravery. When a tribesman returns victorious from battle, the tribal chief awards him a Warrior Bead to honor his bravery and solidify his status as a warrior. The “Peacock Bead” worn by the female lead Tomoko signifies devotion to one's true love, representing beauty and a token of love. Other beads include the “Sunlight Bead,” which stands for nobility and beauty, and the “Earth Bead,” which attracts wealth and success. Jewelry made with the “Warrior Bead” and “Peacock Bead” has become the studio’s best-selling merchandise. The studio also offers customization services, where names in Chinese or English can be painted onto 3 cm beads, creating a uniquely personal glass bead.

Traditional Paiwan glass beads tend to be more rustic with darker hues. To cater to customer preferences, modern glass beads are often treated with chemicals to achieve a brighter, more vibrant look. In addition to jewelry, Dragonfly Elegant Nest also produces a variety of goods, such as an afternoon tea set including spoons and stirring sticks, with glass beads inlaid on top and dragonfly patterns printed underneath — a truly unique design. There are also large wall decorations suitable as gifts. The studio also offers DIY glass bead firing experiences, though reservations are required. During the session, an artisan provides guidance from start to finish — beginning with forming the glass bead base, then drawing patterns with colored glass threads, and finally cooling and completing the piece, all in about one hour for a fee of NT$200. Since it requires using both hands and quickly painting designs before the molten glass cools, it’s not easy for first-timers. This shows just how much skill and care goes into crafting exquisitely designed, intricate glass beads.