About the product
The earrings represent three-dimensional beautiful patterns of the “Meisen” kimono using the ancient woodworking technique “Kumiko”. The sophisticated presence yet the gentle feel of this piece allows you to wear traditional crafts in your daily life.
[What is “Meisen”?]
“Meisen” is a type of kimono that became popular in the relatively modern period of Japanese history.
Isesaki is one of the most famous places for producing “Meisen”, characterised by the unique patterns and colours that emerge from the advanced technique of “Heiyo Kasuri”. However, due to the shrinking kimono culture and lack of successors, the production of Isesaki Meisen has been declining. With this product, the pattern of Isesaki Meisen is brought back to the present day.
[Encounter with Kumiko]
Although "Heiyo Kasuri" had been expressed as a two-dimensional work so far, "Kumiko" enabled it to express as a three-dimensional work this time.
By using “Kumiko” to make ear accessories in that way, this product allows you to enjoy the different expressions depending on the angle you look at it from. The lightness of the earrings makes you forget that you are wearing them, and the sturdiness of the wooden structure allows you to enjoy wearing them in a relaxed and fashionable way.
Only the high-quality parts of cherry and cypress trees are extracted for this product. No colouring is used, and the original character of the wood is used as it is. The colour of the wood, which changes exquisitely depending on the type and part of the tree, is taken as a unique character and made into a one-of-a-kind piece.
You can choose your favourite pair from two types and four original designs on the left and right sides. Enjoy your favourite combination.
Product detail
Specifications
-Dimensions (motif part): 1.3 cm (length and width), 0.5 cm (thickness).
-Material: wood (cypress or cherry)
-Earrings: brass.
-Pierced earrings: brass, [plated] nickel-free.
*Available with a choice of earrings or pierced earrings.
About the maker
“Ay” is a cultural brand incorporating traditional Japanese crafts and techniques to transmit new values. The brand proposes a new form of Japanese culture, focusing on apparel products that were up-cycled from the traditional Kimono called “Isesaki Meisen” made in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, where the founder of the brand, Aya Murakami, was born and raised.
While working on a mission to preserve the “Meisen” for future generations, I met Mai, a designer who uses the “Kumiko”. Thanks to her, this accessory collaboration between “Kumiko” and “Meisen” was born.
“Kumiko” is a traditional woodworking technique in which craftsmen combine thin pieces of wood without using nails to create precise geometric patterns. This product is carefully crafted one by one by hand by “Kumiko” artisan Mr. Kazuhiro Kadowaki, who is the only person in Japan to have created a perfect spherical “Kumiko”.
By collaborating with craftspeople who have a polished technique that has been handed down over generations from the Asuka period (1300~1400year ago) to the present day and does not allow for the slightest deviation, we hope to reweave a technique and culture that should remain and be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
akikocchi
631 days agoAy's clothes always cheer me up. This time it's a wonderful accessory that allows you to easily incorporate Japanese culture. Unlike regular shopping, waiting time is also a luxury. looking forward to it!
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(いつもAyの洋服に元気をもらっています。今回は日本文化を気軽に取り入れらる素敵なアクセサリー。普段の買い物と違って、待つ時間もまた贅沢ですね。楽しみにしています！)
村上采 / Aya Murakami
Thank you for your continued support and purchase! You can give me power by saying that. I am very happy that you are enjoying the ear accessories this time :) Please wait for a while until delivery! Looking forward to seeing you again.
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(いつも応援＆ご購入ありがとうございます！そのように言って頂けて、パワーをいただけます。今回のイヤアクセも楽しんでいただけること大変嬉しく思います：）お届けまで少々お待ちください！またお会いできる日を楽しみにしています。)
-w-t-n-b-
631 days agoI think it's great that you're brave enough to take on challenges.
Google Translated Comment Show Original CommentsI wish you the best! I'm rooting for you!
(果敢にチャレンジする姿勢が素晴らしいと思います。
頑張ってください！応援しています！)
村上采 / Aya Murakami
Thank you for your continued support! I will do my best to deliver textiles and Japanese culture to as many people as possible :)
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(いつも、応援ありがとうございます！これからより多くの方へテキスタイル＆日本文化をお届けできるよう、頑張ります：）)
kiki022525
631 days agoAhhh! Thanks for the advice, I made the earrings. Take care of yourself!
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(あやー！アドバイスありがとう、イヤリングにしました。体にお気をつけて！)
村上采 / Aya Murakami
Thank you for your support purchase! The earrings are so cute, so please look forward to them :)
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(応援購入ありがとうございます！イヤリング、とっても可愛いのでお楽しみのお待ちください：）)
ykaida0403
631 days agoI bought these because earrings made of wood were rare. I look forward to receiving it.
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(木を使ったイヤリングが珍しかったので購入しました。届くのを楽しみにしています。)
村上采 / Aya Murakami
Thank you for your support purchase! Please enjoy the earrings that make the most of the wood. Please wait for a while until delivery.
Google Translated Comment Show Original Comments(応援購入ありがとうございます！木をそのまま生かしたイヤリング、ぜひお楽しみください。お届けまで少々お待ちください。)