Raden Brooch / Phoenix / Gold Lacquer

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

This is a mother-of-pearl inlay brooch expressing a phoenix in luminous shell.
The dignified phoenix stands out even more by sprinkling gold in a strong and weak manner.
This is a gem that will make your day a special day if you wear it on your chest.

Characteristic
The thinly stripped nacreous layer is examined and only the parts with outstanding luster and color are carefully selected for use.
The shells are then polished to the thinnest possible thickness, and finally processed by hand to less than 0.1 mm.
The thinner the shell is, the more clearly the luster becomes and the more flexible it can be applied to the surface of the fabric, so it can be decorated without destroying the form of the fabric.
In the process of cutting out and applying the shells, the angle at which each one shines is carefully determined.

By finding the most beautiful angle and aligning them all in the same direction, we are able to bring out the brilliance and beauty of shells that you have never seen and never experienced before.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1300 years ago / 700AD / Nara period in Japan

Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) is one of the decorative techniques used in traditional lacquer crafts.
Raden refers to the technique of inlaying a luminous iridescent layer of mother-of-pearl on the inside of a shell, cutting it into sheets in a pattern, and inlaying them into the carved surfaces of lacquer or wooden vessels, OR a craftwork made using this technique.

In Japan, raden was introduced from Tang China during the Nara period (710-794) and was used in combination with amber and tortoiseshell to decorate musical instruments.
In the Heian period (794-1185), raden technology developed rapidly, and the decorative technique used in combination with maki-e (gold-relief lacquerware) became popular. Raden was used not only for interior furnishings but also for architectural decorations, and remained popular until the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

In the Kamakura period, raden became popular as saddle decoration, and in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1600), raden grew dramatically as an industry through trade with Europe.
Furniture and coffee cups were made for export by combining maki-e and raden, and these were highly valued as luxury items by Europeans.

From this period to the Edo period (1603-1867), the technique was particularly well developed and shells were dyed, and were widely used for furnishings, ornaments, sword fittings, and other items.
Raden remained popular in the Edo period (1603-1867), but as trade with Europe was curtailed by national isolation, mother-of-pearl inlays continued to be made by mother-of-pearl inlay craftsmen for domestic use in Japan.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Saga Raden 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 raden products in overseas markets.

Craftsman Passion

"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. 

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：5.1cm
Height：5.1cm
Weight：7g

Material & Caution

Materials

Shell
Wood

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about three months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.