Resonance | Creator’s interview - English

The “Resonance: Tradition and Modernity” project was born from the evolution of SORA’s metalworking techniques. In particular, it was the breakthrough in processing tantalum—a metal long considered extremely difficult to work with—that opened new creative possibilities.

Tantalum’s understated dark gray hue, neither flashy nor overpowering, was found to harmonize beautifully with the sensibilities and color aesthetics of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. These two elements—technological advancement and aesthetic resonance—came together to inspire a new form of artistic expression that bridges tradition and the contemporary.

“The progress in technique and the subtle allure of tantalum’s tone became the foundation for creating a piece that connects the past and the present,”says creator Shōji.

In this project, Shōji collaborated closely with designer Takata, taking on the challenge of transforming the poetic world of the Hyakunin Isshu into wearable art in the form of rings.

Shaping the World of Waka — The Designer’s Vision

「仄桜-Honosakura-」,「忍音- Shinobine-」, 「澄雲-Sumikumo-」, and 「深々-Shinshin-」—each of these rings draws inspiration from a season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Every design is rooted in the vivid imagery found in poems from the Hyakunin Isshu, expressing their seasonal essence through the form of a ring.

Designer Takata noticed that both the upper and lower verses of these traditional waka often contain distinct and evocative motifs. This observation inspired a unique design concept: to represent one motif on the outer surface of the ring, and the other on the inner surface—thus allowing the entire ring to embody the world of the poem.

“In「仄桜-Honosakura-」, for example, the outer design features cherry blossoms gently floating on the surface of the water—an image of blossoms past their peak—while the inner band depicts a scene of falling spring rain.I wanted to express feelings of quiet contemplation and transience.The greatest challenge was how to distill the mood, scenery, and atmosphere of the poem into such a small space,”Takata reflects.

Through this layered and thoughtful approach, each ring becomes a wearable expression of a poetic moment—capturing not just the words of the waka, but the fleeting beauty it evokes.

Traditional Craft Meets Modern Technique — Painting Poetry Through Metalwork

Translating a poetic scene into the form of a ring required both advanced technical skill and exceptional handcraft. The material used—tantalum—is notoriously difficult to work with, presenting challenges that go far beyond conventional metalworking.

“What kind of tools could make such delicate expressions possible? That was the starting point.
I ended up creating all of them myself—from scratch.
In the end, I had crafted around 150 different tools,”recalls creator Shōji.

Material texture and color were also given meticulous attention. In 「仄桜-Honosakura-」, rather than the stereotypical bright pink often associated with cherry blossoms, the design emphasizes transience through a base of soft platinum white. Subtle accents of gold and pink gold were then layered to evoke the lingering melancholy and delicate beauty of the poem.

In 「深々-Shinshin-」, platinum was used to portray the silent snowfall, while white gold was chosen to represent the moon. Though both are “white” metals, each has its own luster and texture—differences that allowed the creators to express a layered, atmospheric winter landscape.

“We discussed the materials and colors again and again, to ensure nothing strayed from the essence of the waka,”say Takata and Shōji, their words echoing the deep care and commitment poured into every piece.Each ring is not just a work of jewelry, but a refined fusion of poetic vision, traditional aesthetics, and groundbreaking craftsmanship.

From Tradition to Tomorrow — A Message to Those Who Hold These Creations

Each piece in this collection is a singular work of art, born from the collaboration between designer Takata and creator Shōji, each drawing on their respective strengths. Within every detail lies the emotional depth and seasonal imagery inspired by poems from the Hyakunin Isshu—delicately rendered through metal and form.

“Don’t worry about how it will be made.Just design freely, from the heart.I’ll figure out how to bring it to life,”Shōji once told Takata. That invitation to create without constraint sparked a flow of ideas, ultimately giving rise to something truly original—unlike anything they had made before.

“These pieces are not only beautiful to wear, but also captivating to simply gaze upon.I hope those who hold them can feel not only the artistry of the jewelry, but also the essence of waka—its landscapes, its emotions, and the aesthetic spirit of Japan,”says Takata.

“If the wearer finds themselves quietly immersed in the story of the ring, and their heart feels just a little more full,that would mean everything to me,”Shōji adds.

Resonance: Tradition and Modernity is a creation born from the harmony of time-honored craftsmanship and contemporary design—from the dialogue between artisan and artist.We hope that, in the hands of its new owner, this piece will not only accompany their life, but inspire a new story of their own.
 

Creator

Takeru Shouji
Studied metal crafts at Nagaoka Institute of Design. Specializes in delicate color expressions, utilizing unique forms and advanced color processing techniques. Responsible for fully customized creations and frequently creates personal works inspired by marine life.

Designer

Akina Takada
Majored in Japanese painting at Tohoku University of Art & Design. Specializing in a technique that expresses the delicate features of nature and animals in three-dimensional form, she challenges new expressions of Japanese painting with her unique colors and combinations. Her sensibility is also reflected in her jewelry designs.