Hello,
This is Noguchi from CASANOVA&CO.
Today, I'd like to talk about DAN TOMIMATSU, whose exhibition starts this weekend.
The exhibition period is from Saturday, April 12th to Sunday, April 20th, but please expect to receive your orders in about 2-3 months.
So, imagine getting your "jewelry" as the final touch just in time for the height of summer.
Well, I personally wear the same rings and bracelets year-round, so I don't really pay attention to seasons, but with jewelry as substantial as DAN TOMIMATSU's, the "weight" it adds to a light summer style is completely different.
I think you'll enjoy choosing while taking that into consideration.
In addition to items that can be ordered in-store, we also have many items available for immediate purchase and carry-out.
However, sizes and such are limited, so we will guide you in-store regarding these.
Now, what I'd like to introduce here today, as the title suggests, is "new works and the true essence."
You might be seeing some of these for the first time, so please take a look at the photos.
First, from the ENLINK collection, a series using PT900.
[index finger]
DAN TOMIMATSU
”ENLINK” SPOOL RING BOLD
MATERIAL _ SL925 × PT900
The platinum ENLINK is on my index finger.
Please don't mind the BESPEAK ring on my ring finger; it's my personal item.
I'll introduce BESPEAK again tomorrow.
Many of you may already know, but the ENLINK series itself originated from a previously unheard-of technique of creating "gold thread."
Going back about 1400 years.
In terms of eras, it was the Asuka period.
It was an era when the foundations of the nation were gradually being laid, and various cultures and technologies were introduced from the Korean Peninsula.
As the name suggests, during this period, the capital was located in the Asuka region.
This Asuka region is what is now Nara Prefecture.
Mr. Tomimatsu, who designs for DAN TOMIMATSU, is from Nara Prefecture and is still based in Yoshino, Nara. The ENLINK collection was born from this connection of being "from Nara Prefecture."
During the Asuka period, Buddhism was introduced from the continent, and it is said that metalworking techniques for creating Buddhist statues and implements also developed.
Among these, in Nara Prefecture, which was the capital at the time and where wealth gathered, there existed the technique of "making thread using gold."
As I've said many times, this is a story from 1400 years ago. The people of that time were quite incredible.
That technique reportedly died out over time, but Mr. Tomimatsu, who hails from Nara Prefecture, revived it as a craft technique that could be applied to modern jewelry making.
The collection that uses such a technique is ENLINK, which, like the bangle above, uses SL925 and K18YG.
I myself love this collection and wear it constantly. I've always thought the coexistence of strength and delicacy emanating from the gold thread, within DAN TOMIMATSU's characteristic volume, was truly beautiful.
And now, platinum has been added to the lineup.
This is also incredibly cool.
The mood it gives off is completely different.
The SPOOL RING BOLD has the most volume in the ENLINK collection, giving it quite a powerful impression, yet it still exudes the "coldness" unique to PT900.
[index finger]
DAN TOMIMATSU
”ENLINK” SPOOL RING LONG HALFWIND
MATERIAL _ SL925 × PT900
[third finger]
DAN TOMIMATSU
”ENLINK” SPOOL RING NARROW
MATERIAL _ SL925 × PT900
[little finger]
DAN TOMIMATSU
”ENLINK” SPOOL RING LONG HALFWIND
MATERIAL _ SL925 × K18YG
The ENLINK in SL925 × PT900 is on my index and ring fingers.
The one on my little finger is my personal SL925 × K18YG ENLINK, which I've been wearing daily for about 4 years.
Looking at them like this, you can see how different the atmosphere is between the K18YG type and the PT900 type, can't you?
The gold one has a slightly older, antique feel to it, and is organic.
In contrast, the platinum version immediately brings out an inorganic coolness, and despite being a very elaborate craft technique, it creates an atmosphere of tension and precision.
If you're someone who can keenly sense this difference in mood, I think pairing SL925 × K18YG with SL925 × PT900 would look fantastic.
As this platinum ages, it will change in appearance due to the different properties of the metals compared to silver, becoming quite austere.
However, that's something you'll have to witness firsthand, as it's a new release for the brand.
DAN TOMIMATSU
”ENLINK” ROPE SEW UNI NECKLACE
MATERIAL _ SL925 × PT900
The slider of the usual SL925 necklace was wrapped with gold thread, but this one also uses PT900 thread.
Platinum thread, quietly harmonizing with the incredibly fine Venetian chain while adding weight.
It's there as if it's natural, but the original slider that can control such a thin Venetian chain is also incredible.
When new, the slider is a bit stiff to move, but with use, it will become smooth.
I think you'll be convinced when you see this necklace in person.
As for necklaces, we still have the SL925 and K18YG types, the K18YG Venetian chain type, and silk ropes available.
DAN TOMIMATSU
”ENLINK” SPOOL BANGLE WIDE HALFWIND
MATERIAL _ SL925 × PT900
The masterpiece, SPOOL BANGLE WIDE.
This is also the platinum version.
All ENLINK pieces, which were previously offered in a combination of SL925 and K18YG, can now have the gold thread replaced with PT900, so a narrow version of the bangle is also available.
It's very dignified.
I think the strength of ENLINK lies in this crisp, delicate tension, and with PT900, that has accelerated even further.
Please come to the store and compare the SL925 × K18YG and SL925 × PT900 to help you make your decision.
Next up, from the MATERIA collection. Something truly incredible.
DAN TOMIMATSU
”MATERIA” CHAIN BRACELET
MATERIAL _ SL925 × K18YG
A new work I was very much looking forward to.
As the name suggests, it's a chain bracelet.
According to Mr. Tomimatsu and Ms. Shiiki, the brand's sales manager, there are hardly any brands that primarily offer men's accessories yet don't produce chain bracelets.
Conversely, chain bracelets are a staple among men's accessories, and everyone desires them.
But that's why DAN TOMIMATSU didn't make them, apparently.
Because if they made one casually, "it wouldn't be a DAN TOMIMATSU chain bracelet."
However, due to demand, it was created over several years.
That is this CHAIN BRACELET.
This is truly amazing.
I think it's very much a "DAN TOMIMATSU chain bracelet."
You absolutely must see it in person.
What I want you to focus on is this.
If you look closely, you'll see a golden line in each link.
This is K18YG.
However, what's amazing about this CHAIN BRACELET isn't just that it uses K18YG.
So, what is it that's so amazing?
It's the fact that each link of this CHAIN BRACELET is "connected by hand."
Typical chain bracelets have their links automatically connected by specialized machines.
Therefore, chains are formed into a literal chain in an instant.
In other words, a chain bracelet, unless it's from a very high-end international luxury brand, is almost entirely machine-made, an "industrial product" so to speak.
However, at DAN TOMIMATSU, they do it by hand.
Even that alone is incredible, but a characteristic of this DAN TOMIMATSU CHAIN BRACELET is that each link is "small and thick."
Because the links are small, more links are needed to form a full circle, which means the process of connecting the links is repeated more often.
Furthermore, if the links were thin, they would be easier to process and connect, but these links are very thick despite their small size.
That's why it's a CHAIN BRACELET unlike any other in the world.
It's jewelry with a strong artisanal element.
Symbolic of this is the K18YG found in each link.
When connecting the links by hand, a K18YG plate is inserted, and each link is joined in a kintsugi-like manner.
Therefore, it's not simply amazing that expensive K18YG material is used. I think it's a wonderful design in that it visualizes DAN TOMIMATSU's philosophy and the process of artisan craftsmanship.
A chain bracelet as a handcrafted item, fundamentally different from the mass-produced chain bracelets flooding the market.
Even so, DAN TOMIMATSU doesn't seek a finish with obvious traces of handcraft, full of rustic charm.
Instead, the K18YG kintsugi retains traces of human touch while maintaining a neat and elegant jewelry aesthetic.
That's why when you wear it, you feel a natural beauty and natural elegance.
Small, not chunky, links.
The thickness of each link and the density between them.
This CHAIN BRACELET is connected in a circular fashion, and by pulling out the end piece, you can adjust it to fit the thickness of your wrist.
Then, using the U-shaped SL925 clip shown in the photo, you can fix it so that the length doesn't shift.
Therefore, the chain will drape over the back of your hand, as shown in the picture.
For those who already own an ENLINK bangle or a RUBBER BAND BRACELET, layering by wrapping the dangling part around is also a great option.
While tastes and preferences vary, for those who find this appealing, I believe it's a piece of jewelry that won't be swayed by fleeting trends or information.
This is precisely what "design that affects the heart" signifies, isn't it?
While the price is certainly not cheap, please allow us to introduce this to you in-store as well.
And finally, the true essence of DAN TOMIMATSU, DISSOLVE.
DAN TOMIMATSU
” DISSOLVE” SIGNET RING
MATERIAL _ SL925
DISSOLVE is a particularly special collection within DAN TOMIMATSU.
Inspired by pure gold ornaments unearthed from Egyptian pyramids, it captures the unevenness and irregularities that form as impurities dissolve over long periods, applying this state as a craft technique and reflecting it in jewelry.
This is a piece of jewelry with a "power" that words alone cannot convey, so please experience it in person.
This SIGNET RING is believed to have originally served as a seal, like a stamp.
In other words, it was worn as jewelry that served as "proof of who you are."
The DISSOLVE collection is one where the creation process becomes uncontrollable by human hands at a certain point, making it impossible to continuously produce identical pieces.
Indeed, its irreproducible nature and appearance, which mirrors natural phenomena over time, perfectly embody the origin of the SIGNET RING.
A ring that can be called the symbol of DISSOLVE, and the symbol of DAN TOMIMATSU.
Looking from the back, you can see that the irregularities penetrate all the way through.
These irregularities are created by mixing other metals with a silver or gold base and then melting them, but from the mixing stage onwards, it becomes out of control.
Only God knows what kind of undulations and cavities will form.
Often, it doesn't even meet product standards.
It's an incredible collection.
[left]
DAN TOMIMATSU
” DISSOLVE” SIGNET RING
MATERIAL _ K18YG
[right]
DAN TOMIMATSU
” DISSOLVE” SIGNET RING
MATERIAL _ SL925
You can also see the SIGNET RING in K18YG.
The K18YG SIGNET RING could be considered the TOP END of DAN TOMIMATSU.
DAN TOMIMATSU
” DISSOLVE” RECTANGULAR RING
MATERIAL _ SL925
While the SIGNET RING is often considered for the pinky finger due to its origin, this RECTANGULAR RING is frequently chosen for the index or middle finger.
Unlike the SIGNET RING, this one features three-dimensional undulations and cavities across the entire ring, making it captivating from any angle.
However, this also means that when wearing a knit in winter or putting your hand in your pocket, the ring's undulations might snag, or fragile parts of its structure could chip off.
But that is the nature of DISSOLVE.
Just as a bowl breaks if you drop it, cherish its fragility.
Something like, "My RECTANGULAR RING sometimes snags here, but that's cute, too. I'll wear it so that part is on my palm."
Please cherish it in that way.
That being said, it's not that fragile, so there's generally no problem with using it in everyday life.
We would be happy if you could think of it that way as our mindset when dealing with jewelry that incorporates DISSOLVE, a very special craft technique.
We also have the QUADRUM RING, which is thinner than the RECTANGULAR RING.
Although it's narrow, the difficulty in forming it is probably higher, so this is also a piece of jewelry with a lot of power.
For those with slender fingers, like myself, or women, this might be a better fit.
Please try comparing it to the RECTANGULAR RING.
DISSOLVE also offers earrings like these.
Unfortunately, I don't have pierced ears so I can't wear them, but I think they're great for people who usually wear earrings.
In fact, when I see customers wearing DISSOLVE earrings, they look very cool.
I'm not very knowledgeable about earrings, so I can't say much about them, but please let me talk a lot about the charm of DISSOLVE.
The lineup I introduced this time is probably about half of the total?
Seriously, I can't introduce everything. (lol)
Everything not introduced here is also wonderful jewelry imbued with the spirit of DAN TOMIMATSU, so if you are interested, please come and see them in store.
Tomorrow, I'd like to briefly introduce BESPEAK, a custom-made ring brand created by Tomimatsu-san.