We don't need to delve into the ins-and-outs of what makes the polarising Ai Weiwei one of fine art's badasses. Just know that the dissident mainland Chinese artist is still making highly talked-about art on his own terms. Today, he is heading back into a genre that not many associate with his legacy – that of fine jewellery. Having garnered a moderate level of success when he launched the first collection of reinforced bar-inspired gold bracelets in 2015, Ai is now partnering with luxury book publisher Taschen to launch a collection of medallion necklaces inspired by another of his famous artworks. This Zodiac necklace recalls his Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads sculptures from 2010 – his first public sculptures – that feature all 12 of the famous characters in the Chinese calendar. They are imposing bronze animal heads mounted on a matching bronze vine, an idea that is said to be inspired by the historic bronze-cast water clock fountainheads located at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing. Although five heads are still unrecovered today, Ai's work reunites all 12. While the bronze heads he made were meant for outdoor display, the 28-inch tall gold-plated versions that came with the series have toured museums around the globe and were sold for US$4.4 million in a 2015 auction, bought by controversial Napster founder Sean Parker. For those without that kind of financial pull will be glad to know that these Zodiac medallion necklaces with charms hand-cast in 999 pure gold take after the designs of the aforementioned animal heads from his 2010 seminal artwork. The hero piece here is a medallion necklace featuring all 12 zodiacs, while solo charms of your personal zodiac can also be bought. Be mindful that there won't be many in circulation. The former will be limited to 48 pieces (US$36,000) and the latter that comes with a red thread is limited to 99 examples (US$2,950). One thing's for sure, you won't be able to get these at your local museum gift shop.

www.taschen.com