Rolls-Royce’s Phantom Dragon: Luxury And Serpentine Symbolism For Lunar New Year
Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon celebrates Lunar New Year.
A stunning interpretation of Chinese iconography and serpentine motifs was crafted by designers in Rolls-Royce’s Shanghai offices to celebrate the Year of the Snake for a VIP client, surpassing even Hubot’s efforts for the luxury watch brand’s Spirit of Big Bang. However, the "Phantom Dragon" is not just about the Lunar New Year; it holds deep significance for Rolls-Royce as the first of a series of special-edition Phantoms marking the model’s centenary.
In 1925, The Autocar magazine described the Phantom’s debut as a landmark moment for Rolls-Royce, stating, "Few are the companies engaged in the manufacture of motor vehicles who enjoy quite such a reputation as Rolls-Royce Ltd." As the flagship car of Rolls-Royce, the Phantom has helped maintain the brand's reputation for luxury over the past century, providing the ultimate canvas for the most luxurious customizations.
The Phantom Dragon, based on the extended version of the model, showcases Rolls-Royce’s craftsmanship. Designers were inspired by a 3,000-year-old legend of two dragons, protectors of the human realm, who were given a divine pearl by the gods for their noble deeds. Rather than claiming the treasure, the dragons showed kindness and generosity, leading to the gods granting them a second pearl and elevating them to deities. The dragons symbolize power and good fortune, while the pearl represents purity and perfection, with their union embodying the balance of Yin and Yang in the pursuit of enlightenment.
The client selected a minimalist exterior, featuring a near-black color scheme with subtle chrome accents. The interior is where the magic truly lies, starting with the gallery that spans the fascia, featuring a 297-piece marquetry pattern created by a single artisan over three months. The artwork depicts the two dragons amidst swirling clouds, guarding the pearl in a Bespoke clock.
A red and white dragon appears more abstractly on the Bespoke Starlight Headliner, made up of 768 red and 576 white fiber-optic lights, with 24 shooting star-inspired elements. The vehicle also features smoked eucalyptus accents, door panels crafted by Canadian furniture brand Canadel, and red and black leathers for the front and rear reclining seats, with the client’s family name embroidered in traditional Chinese calligraphy on the headrests.
While the Phantom Dragon is a bespoke creation, Rolls-Royce enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the other centenary editions of the Phantom set to debut in 2025.
Read This Next
Ferrari F80: 1,184-Hp Supercar Takes The Crown For Power
By Tan Wei Jie
