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Introducing our new article series with writer Maha Harada. Dive deeper into the world of pearls through her essays and stories exclusive to Mikimoto.
Vol.3
My promise to Vermeer
If I get to see the exhibition, I’ll dedicate a story to it.
That’s the promise I made. To Vermeer.
As an art historian and writer, I found myself out of options in midwinter Amsterdam.
Desperate to see the sold-out Vermeer exhibition,
I rushed over from Paris without a plan...
Maha HARADA
b. 1962 Tokyo, Japan
Based between Tokyo, Paris, Kyoto, and Nagano, Maha Harada is a creative visionary and exceptional storyteller who has produced world-class, category-defying writing.
Harada is one of the founding curators of Tokyo’s acclaimed Mori Art Museum; when it was established, she was sent to represent the Museum as a project researcher at its principal cultural partner, The Museum of Modern Art, New York. It is for this reason that Maha Harada is renowned as Japan’s leading creator of art novels and art entertainment.
She is among Japan’s most talked-about writers and creatives, and her extraordinary experiences give her an unparalleled ability to blend art and literature. Harada’s art novels journey into the past to breathe fresh life into some of the world’s most beloved artists, who still enchant countless people today. These stories transcend time and generation crossing the boundaries of nation and region. At the same time, they are rooted in the experiences of a woman born and raised in Japan.
Back to news and events
Introducing our new article series with writer Maha Harada. Dive deeper into the world of pearls through her essays and stories exclusive to Mikimoto.
Vol.1
Everything in harmony
The first piece of jewellery I ever gifted myself was the Mikimoto pearl necklace. I became its proud owner 11 years ago.
Until then, high jewellery was not a part of my life. But like everyone else, I’d always admired its beauty. That’s not to say that I dreamed of sporting the most dazzling gems for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Far more appealing to me was the style of wearing just one piece of jewellery that combines simplicity and understated elegance. I hoped that someday, I would be able to enjoy my own take on that look.
The best candidate to feature in my ideal attire was, without question, a pearl necklace. I loved the thought of gracing my neck with the mellow lustre of a perfect strand that is the epitome of uniformity. While I could have easily gone for a budget-friendly option, that went against my idea of a pearl necklace. Instead of lowering my standards, I wanted to become the right person for the ultimate piece. That motivated me to grow as a person, so I kept telling myself to live life to the fullest. Then, the moment I had been waiting for eventually came.
In 2012, at age 50, I was awarded the Yamamoto Shugoro Prize for my novel Canvas of Paradise, which brought together ideas I had in mind since I was around 20 years old. To congratulate myself for holding on to my dream and reaching this milestone, I decided to treat myself to a special gift. Nothing could have been more befitting than a Mikimoto pearl necklace.
On a bright afternoon in May, I walked into the Mikimoto Ginza Main Store. I can still recall exactly how excited and proud I felt in that moment. “I’m looking for a pearl necklace,” I immediately told a staff member. I then spent the next hour or so receiving recommendations and trying on several necklaces before I finally purchased a single pearl strand. As I gazed at the necklace in its ocean blue box, I greeted it with a voice in my head. “Welcome to my life.” I remember feeling like I was bringing home a new family member.
Mikimoto Tatoku Pearl Farm, established in 1896.
Fast forward to May last year, I had the privilege of visiting the Mikimoto Tatoku Pearl Farm for an interview. Located in an inlet in Ago Bay, the farm has a minimalist appearance with nothing unnecessary added. This is where every step of pearl culture takes place — from raising baby oysters to inserting a nucleus, returning them to the sea, and finally harvesting the pearls after many years.
That day, it felt like the area had all the sunshine in the world. As I was offered a boat ride in advance, I went dressed in casual clothes, but I didn’t forget to put on my pearl necklace. After all, this was a rare opportunity to take my beloved pearls on a trip to their hometown.
Inside a wooden building reminiscent of a schoolhouse, the artisans were all engaged in the process of nucleation. They kept on meticulously performing the most intricate handwork in silence. A gentle sea breeze would blow in every now and then through the wide-open windows facing the sea. The view of these artisans working passionately along the windows was as beautiful as a painting. I touched the string of pearls on my neck with my fingertips. These perfect spheres were born out of consistent effort in this rich seaside. The moment I realized that the lustre of each pearl is made of precious life, I felt a surge of awe just as I feel when I meet a masterpiece at a museum.
The world’s first cultured pearl was created 130 years ago in this very place. It was a groundbreaking invention that was even praised by the great Thomas Edison as “one of the wonders of the world.” Mikimoto’s founder Kokichi Mikimoto, known as the Pearl King, never gave up on his dream to “adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.” What could be a better representation of his extraordinary determination than the Mikimoto pearl necklace?
Kokichi spent his final years in a house at the top of a small hill adjacent to the farm. The house overlooking Ago Bay is by no means extravagant, but tasteful in its own way. Above all, I was captivated by the round designs scattered throughout the house. Kokichi is said to have dearly loved the sphere. It is a symbol of peace, harmony, and pearls, as well as the shape of the Sun and Earth.
Blessed with a sweeping view of Ago Bay at his home, Kokichi perhaps envisioned the future of Japan and the world as he watched the sun rise and set over the horizon. A serene, beautiful planet without discord. Everything in harmony, just like the pearls formed in this sea.
Kokichi’s vision has endured through time, transforming into treasures in the waters and now emanating a lustrous glow around my neck. Perfectly strung together into one, my pearls are succeeding his hopes for the magnificent sea, nature, and a world in peace.
The workshop sits on the shore while Kokichi’s house remains atop the hill.
The pearl motif is even seen in the roof.
All photos taken by Maha Harada
Maha HARADA
b. 1962 Tokyo, Japan
Based between Tokyo, Paris, Kyoto, and Nagano, Maha Harada is a creative visionary and exceptional storyteller who has produced world-class, category-defying writing.
Harada is one of the founding curators of Tokyo’s acclaimed Mori Art Museum; when it was established, she was sent to represent the Museum as a project researcher at its principal cultural partner, The Museum of Modern Art, New York. It is for this reason that Maha Harada is renowned as Japan’s leading creator of art novels and art entertainment.
She is among Japan’s most talked-about writers and creatives, and her extraordinary experiences give her an unparalleled ability to blend art and literature. Harada’s art novels journey into the past to breathe fresh life into some of the world’s most beloved artists, who still enchant countless people today. These stories transcend time and generation crossing the boundaries of nation and region. At the same time, they are rooted in the experiences of a woman born and raised in Japan.