Tradition × Modernity

My first encounter with Native jewelry
was when I saw Karen silver beads a friend had shown me when I was young.

Small silver beads, their edges filed and their surfaces stamped with what must have been bold hammer blows,
slightly misshapen and wonderfully irregular.
I remember how charmingly imperfect they were.



I haven't had much opportunity to explore what is called "Native jewelry"
since then, but discovering WAKAN's jewelry
made me want to learn more about its history.


After speaking with designer SOU, I was lent some reference materials,
and now the staff and I are gradually learning about them together.






Through WAKAN's jewelry,
I had always wondered why a necklace is called a "chest ornament" rather than a "neck ornament".
Now I understand that it was worn to light a fire in the heart when going into battle.

I feel as though I have glimpsed the meaning behind wearing it close to the chest.

One of WAKAN's signature pieces is the Hopi chain.
The scrollwork engraved on this chain, made of ribbon-like flat links rolled into circles, is not carved with a single chisel. Instead, each link is finished individually using different chisels with varying curves, angles, and pressure.

While carefully preserving traditional craftsmanship, its forms also embody a modern beauty. Perhaps this exquisite balance is what makes WAKAN truly WAKAN.

When you hold it in your hands, you can truly feel this history in its weight and texture.

My understanding is still fragmentary, but that is precisely why I hope you will wear not only the jewelry, but the history behind it as well.

WAKAN SILVER SMITH

Tradition × Modernity

Inspired by Native jewelry,
under the concept of Tradition × Modernity, they remain committed to traditional, analog handmade techniques while creating new forms of jewelry free from conventional ideas.

A jewelry brand where every piece is handmade.


Visit the brand page here ↓
https://www.p-chouli.jp/collections/wakan-silver-smith