Resonance｜Introduction_English

About Project

At the heart of this project lies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary technology to create a new form of beauty.

Inspired by Kachō Fūgetsu—a Japanese aesthetic that finds grace in the natural world—we have expressed the timeless sensibilities embedded in the Hyakunin Isshu, a classical anthology of poetry passed down over a millennium, as one-of-a-kind pieces of art jewelry.

By incorporating modern materials and advanced techniques, we transcend convention and tradition to forge metalwork creations that carry the legacy of Japanese beauty into the future.
 

What is the Hyakunin Isshu?

The Hyakunin Isshu is a classical anthology of one hundred poems by one hundred poets, each contributing a single waka (a traditional Japanese poem). Compiled in the early Kamakura period by Fujiwara no Teika at Mount Ogura in Kyoto, it later came to be known as the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

This poetic collection captures the fleeting beauty of the seasons and the delicate emotions of love—its joys, sorrows, and longing. Expressions such as spring’s blossoms, summer’s birds, autumn’s wind, and winter’s moon resonate deeply with the Japanese sensibility and have continued to do so across centuries.

Since the Edo period, the Hyakunin Isshu has also been enjoyed as a card game known as karuta, and today it lives on as a competitive sport. Its influence extends beyond poetry into other art forms such as haiku and ukiyo-e, embodying a vital thread in the fabric of Japanese cultural heritage.
 

About Japanese Metal Engraving Techniques

Japan’s metal engraving craftsmanship (chōkin) boasts a legacy spanning over a thousand years. Traditionally used to adorn sword fittings, ritual objects, and ornamental pieces, these techniques—such as intricate carving, zōgan (inlay), and tankin (metal hammering)—have been refined by generations of artisans and passed down through the ages.

In this project, we harmonize these time-honored skills with modern fabrication methods, working with tantalum—a contemporary, rare metal known for its subdued luster and durability. The result is a wearable work of art: jewelry that embodies a new expression of Japanese beauty, poised to be shared with the world.
 

SORA’s Tantalum and Innovative Metalworking Techniques

This project showcases SORA’s exceptional expertise in working with rare metals, exploring the fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary material innovation. At the heart of each piece lies tantalum—a rare metal more commonly found in cutting-edge electronics and medical devices. Known for its remarkable durability and distinctive steel-gray sheen, tantalum enables entirely new aesthetic expressions in the world of jewelry.

SORA further embraces sustainability by utilizing recycled tantalum sourced from urban mines, contributing to a more responsible form of craftsmanship. Each creation is a harmonious blend of meticulous handwork and forward-thinking technology—an invitation to discover a new realm of art jewelry.