Raden Ear Cuff / Chrysanthemum / Right Ear

This Raden Ear Cuff is a masterpiece featuring carefully selected abalone shells, hand-cut by artisans into intricate chrysanthemum petals and seamlessly inlaid without a single gap. As a design accent, pure gold is luxuriously used at the center of each flower. The process of fixing each 1mm-scale micro-part layer by layer with lacquer is the very essence of a traditional Japanese technique that has endured since the Nara period.

Width：1.5cm
Height：0.8cm
Weight：2g

Shell
Silver

SAGA RADEN NOMURA

"Craftsmanship that bring peace of mind."

In an age of rapidly changing lifestyles, it is not easy to create a time when one's "heart" is at peace. It is precisely at times like these that we need "time and space" for peace of mind.
We create each piece of furniture by utilizing carefully selected materials and technical skills. We do not compromise, but we do not forget to be playful. We put into our works our wish to provide our customers with a time of relaxation with our creations.

ARTISAN STORY

Saga Japanese mother-of-pearl inlay Nomura / Takuya Nomura
Born in Kyoto in 1987. After working at an apparel manufacturer for 5 years, returned to the family business in 2016. Utilizing his experience studying abroad in Los Angeles, he develops products that meet overseas needs; since 2017, he has been participating with his father in a product development project with a designer in Paris. He is actively involved in proposing new Japanese mother-of-pearl inlay products in overseas markets.

RADEN / JAPANESE MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAY

About 1,300 years ago / 700s / Nara Period (710–794)

Raden decorates lacquered or wooden surfaces with thin pieces of nacre from shells such as turban shell, white-lip pearl oyster and abalone. The technique reached Japan from continental Asia by the Nara period, and extraordinary examples survive in the Shosoin. It later combined with maki-e on boxes, furniture and musical instruments.

In Japan, raden is synonymous with iridescent luxury against dark lacquer and has appeared on Buddhist objects, writing boxes, sword fittings and obi ornaments. Contemporary makers apply it to jewelry, watches and art.

The color is not pigment. Microscopic layers in nacre interfere with light, shifting through blue, green and purple as the viewing angle changes. The artisan is not “painting” color but cutting and arranging a natural optical structure.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.