Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorating technique blossomed in the Edo period. Painters delineate skeleton with coloured Urushi lacquer (sap of Urushi tree native to Japan), sprinkle 24-karat gold powder over the skeleton and brush a light layer of lacquer as coating. Tokyo-based Karafuru accentuates its pearl jewellery with the traditional art in a hope to illuminate the wearers.
According to Yuki Kuroda, Karafuru’s CEO, the brand aims to brighten up the feelings of people by adding a touch of culture and techniques of traditional Japanese craftsmanship into their lives. She applies maki-e art on round and button-shaped freshwater and South Sea pearl earrings and necklaces, as an integration of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary jewellery to bring women of all age individuality and a form of traditional craft preservation.
Her inspiration sprouts from the intricate clothing and headdresses, notable make-up and kooky wigs of the actors in Kabuki play (a classical Japanese dance-drama) which rooted in the Edo period as well. The patterns on the maki-e pearls derived from kimono, Kabuki play actor’s garment. While Yuki was doing research on Kabuki kimono, she was startled to realise that most of the craftsmen have struggles on how to pass on their techniques. However, Yuki believes traditional craftsmanship can stand the test of time. She underlined that although the patterns are derived from garment designed centuries ago, the maki-e art pearl pieces deliver a touch of modern elegance and simplicity.
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