The Story of My Silk Thread Jewellery
Discover the Essence of Mottainai:
Silk Threads Reborn through Kumihimo
Step into the world of Japanese craftsman Yoh Nye Sakurai where every piece of jewellery tells a story of renewal and reverence. In his studio on the picturesque Isle of Wight in the south of England, Yoh transforms donated botanically dyed silk threads, once destined for disposal, into exquisite works of art using traditional Japanese braiding techniques.
The Journey of Silk
These precious silk threads find new life thanks to Mrs Yayoi Suzuki, a talented textile artist residing in Yoh’s native Shizuoka in Japan. Mrs Suzuki meticulously dyes silk with organic hues, many sourced from plants from her own garden, and uses them to weave silk shawls and scarves. Threads which are too short for her to use on her loom she donates to Yoh Nye Sakurai, who braids them into radiant jewellery pieces.
Mottainai: Embracing Eco-Ethics
At the heart of Yoh’s creations lies the ethos of ‘mottainai’ – an aversion to wastefulness deeply rooted in Japanese culture. By repurposing these silk threads, Yoh honours the spirit of mottainai, breathing new life into forgotten materials and showcasing their innate beauty.
The Art of Kumihimo
As a craftsman, Yoh has recently concentrated on kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding technique refined over centuries. Unlike conventional kumihimo, Yoh’s innovative approach allows for variable thickness, resulting in captivating shapes and colour harmonies. Each piece bears the hallmark of ancient craftsmanship infused with contemporary flair.
Uniquely Yours
Every creation by Yoh Nye Sakurai is one-of-a-kind. No two threads share exactly the same botanical hues, ensuring each piece is a wearable work of art and a testament to nature’s variety. Crafted with meticulous care and mindfulness, Yoh’s jewellery exudes serene elegance and unparalleled originality.
Commission Your Vision
Embark on a bespoke journey with Yoh. Open to commissions, Yoh collaborates with clients to realize custom designs tailored to individual tastes and preferences. As he pioneers new techniques, Yoh envisions a future where vegan kumihimo jewellery blooms from plants nurtured in his Isle of Wight garden.
Embrace the essence of mottainai. Discover Yoh Nye Sakurai’s transformative jewellery collection – a testament to sustainability, tradition, and timeless beauty. Explore his gallery on Etsy and unlock the allure of Japanese luxury craftmanship.
