Zen Garden: A Unique Necklace Inspired by Japanese Gardens

Combining Traditional Craftsmanship and Contemporary Design

The Zen Garden necklace is a true testament to the fusion of cultures and craftsmanship. The Tsumami Zaiku technique, a traditional Japanese craft, involves pinching and folding small square-cut pieces of cloth with tweezers. Asuka Saito skillfully arranged fabric and Soutache cords to depict the beauty of green plants found in Japanese gardens. The result is a necklace that captures the essence of nature and brings it to life.

What sets the Zen Garden necklace apart from others is its unique features. The extra center flowers are attachable with magnets, allowing for customization and versatility. This innovative design element adds a touch of playfulness and allows the wearer to create different looks according to their mood or outfit.

The Zen Garden necklace is not only a work of art but also a technical marvel. It is meticulously crafted using natural stones, Swarovski crystals, and fabric. The combination of these materials creates a harmonious blend of textures and colors, further enhancing the beauty of the design.

Creating the Zen Garden necklace was not without its challenges. The use of Soutache technique to express the Karesansui part, which represents the white sand in Japanese meditation gardens, required great skill and precision. Soutache bead embroidery, a technique that stacks the cord in multiple layers and stitches them, was employed to create a stable base for adding beads and achieve a stunning piece of jewelry.

The Zen Garden necklace is a testament to the designer's dedication and passion for craftsmanship. Asuka Saito's meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach have resulted in a truly exceptional piece of jewelry. It is a wearable work of art that captures the beauty and tranquility of Japanese gardens.

Asuka Saito's Zen Garden necklace has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements, showcasing innovation, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.

The Zen Garden necklace is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of cultural exchange and artistic excellence. It serves as a reminder of the timeless beauty of Japanese gardens and the power of design to transcend boundaries.

Images by Tomoya Yamashita