An invited exhibitor in several jewellery shows in Italy, Nakano Kaoru grew up in Kyoto, near Lake Biwa. Although the location a much loved subject of many forms of traditional Japanese art, Nakano takes her inspiration from the contemporary spirit, from the multiplicity of sources that besiege her soul and creative instincts.
Part of an international trend in jewellery whereby the creative use of material is more significant than its intrinsic value, Nakano's works of jewellery and abstract scuplture are created from a strong fibrous material, washi, which comes from the Japanese paper mulberry tree, broussonetia kazinoki.
Washi is part of a time-honoured tradition in Japan, integral to the refined calligraphic culture of the aristicracy, the world of the opular woodblock print and the beauty of the Japanese home. A testament to the resilience belied by its delicate appearance, washi jewellery from the Meiji Period remains.
Nakano layers the paper, progressing from thin to thick paper. Natural glues help preserve the paper and she uses chemicals that will aid whitening by the sun over time. Saturated and formed by hand in this state, she is able to create wonderfully textured surfaces that blend with her organic shapes to form unique expressions of jewellery art.
Tough, soft and pliable in the hands, Nakano applies silver and gold metal, gold and silver foil, red and black lacquer directly to the paper extend the canvas of her creativity.
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