Pray of the sea-Three charms created by designer Sae Honda
Sae Honda, a designer and a jewelry artist, decided to work on the "Prayer of the Sea" project because of her fascination with the rich sea of Ise-Shima. During her many visits to this region, she came into contact with the history and culture of the sea, inspired by which the jewelry was created. We interviewed her about the background of her creation.

"I had visited Ise Shrine before, but this project was the first time I had visited the coastal areas of the Ise-Shima region. The patterns of "seman" and "doman" that I saw at the beginning of my trip looked so unique and fresh that I had a feeling they would be key to this whole project", said Honda. Her design process always starts with in-depth research.

"I think of it as more like weaving different stories with my own hands, rather than giving form to the concepts I have inside me."

For this project as well, she visited Ise-Shima four times and conducted research at various locations, which leads to the creation of three charms.

The charms with "seman" and "doman" patterns passed down by ama divers

The charms are made with the patterns of "seman" and "doman" which are used in the ama culture since the ancient times. "I asked a woman who is actually active as an ama diver to transcribe the original drawing, and by tracing it, I hand-assembled the silver wire to create the prototype for the charms. Since the theme of the items is "prayer," I thought it would be great to connect our thoughts by our handwork."

Limited to 10 each. You can enjoy the charms by attaching one or two to ARTIDA OUD's existing chains. The charms are a contemporary expression of the patterns that have been used since ancient times to pray for the safety of ama divers. It is an item that will make you feel reassured and empowered just by wearing it.
Designer and jewelry artist Sae Honda. At Ijika fishing port in Ise-Shima.

"Behind the sphere" born from countless Akoya pearls

"I think that my visits to Tamaki Sato, who cultivates Akoya pearls, and Kouta Yamamoto of Yashima Pearl have resulted in the construction of 80 percent of the concept of the charm "behind the sphere". I was able to see with my own eyes and feel with my own heart that behind a single round pearl lies a myriad of "flawed pearls", which cannot be shipped, but all have life in them."

This charm consists of flawed pearls, which are made into a ring shape and cast in silver, and a single round gray pearl on top of it. The dynamic appearance of the flawed pearls, each with a different shape, and the tranquil surface of the perfect round pearl. The contrast between the two celebrates all the life that gives birth to the Akoya pearls.

"I wanted to express that there is no superiority or inferiority between flawed pearls and perfect round pearls, but that everything is equal in life.", said Honda. This item will be available in a limited edition of 10.

Tamaki Sato showed us around his own pearl farm.

Create her life's work "Everybody Needs a Rock" at the sea of Ise-Shima

Five works created for this project will be exhibited and sold at Isetan Shinjuku POP UP STORE from June 21.

"When I first encountered REMARE, a company that manufactures products from marine plastic debris, I felt a great deal of sympathy for their sincere attitude toward manufacturing. Mr. Mase showed me where marine debris had washed ashore, and I created my life’s work, “Everybody Needs a Rock”at Ise-Shima."

Honda has created artificial stones inspired by "plastiglomerate", which is a mixture of plastic debris and natural materials that melt and harden into stone by the heat of sunlight. This time, she created five new items using the trash collected in the sea of Ise-Shima.

"My specialty is in the field of contemporary jewelry. The value of fine jewelry lies in the materials used, but contemporary jewelry finds 'value' in the stories and concepts that are added to it. I would be happy if more people could share that value."

The marine debris of Ise-Shima will be transformed into a new beauty by Honda's hands, shining brightly to illuminate the future.

[collaboration] Sae Honda × ARTIDA OUD Seman charm 17,600yen (with tax) / [collaboration] Sae Honda × ARTIDA OUD Dorman charm 17,600yen (with tax) / [collaboration] Sae Honda × ARTIDA OUD behind the sphere charm 16,400yen (with tax)

Sae Honda

Photos : TOHRU YUASA
Text : KUMIKO SATO (3710Lab)