Creator's Talk Special Edition Commentary: Prunus Mume Collection
Share
Infinite Possibilities in a Single Flower
In this issue, we will delve deeper into the meaning and ingenuity behind the collection's design through an interview with the creative director behind the Prunus Mume collection.
Also, please take a look at our past articles to learn more about his thoughts behind the Prunus Mume Collection and the creation of the brand.
Creator's Talk “Thoughts on Plum Blossoms and Jewelry in My Hometown”
Creator's Talk Special (1) “Mr. & Mrs. Abe” is aiming for the future through “Plum (Prunus Mume)
ーThe “ Prunus Mume” collection is based on the theme of “ume”, isn't it? What do you pay attention to in designing a single motif, not a whole flower, but a single type of plum tree?
Plum trees are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, but on the other hand, we felt that they do not receive as much attention as cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums. For us, ume is not only beautiful, but also has symbolism and a special story. We are fascinated by the fact that a single flower can have so many facets, and our desire to express this deep fascination through jewelry and create new value is the starting point of this collection.
We also place importance on pursuing a narrow but deep theme as the brand's vision. We want people to feel that we can create a worldview that expands in any number of ways through diverse designs and artistic endeavors centered on a single flower called “ume.
The charm of the ume is truly diverse, from its shape and fragrance to its historical symbolism. The core of our design process is the process of digging deep into each of these elements and translating them into the form of jewelry.
In this process, we are always conscious of the “modernization of the ume” (plum). Our goal is not to simply reproduce traditional images, but to evolve them into a form that fits modern lifestyles and values.
ーWhat exactly is your attempt at “modernization” in design?
Many Japanese people think of ume as traditional and classical, but we are trying to fuse modern sensibilities and new values into it. For example, we pursue minimalistic and sophisticated forms and designs that blend in with modern lifestyles while maintaining a classic beauty. This is a challenge to “evolve” the image of the plum, and is the fundamental axis that runs through the entire collection.
The Planus Mume Collection includes several series. What are the characteristics of each of them and what are the key points of their design?
I personally value the structure of having multiple series in the collection in order to express the multifaceted charm of the plum tree. Each of them symbolically expresses the charm of the ume, so let me talk about them one by one.
Blossom Series
Blossom is the foundation of the brand. Aiming to express the royal charm of the Ume blossoms, we value their elegant and serene beauty.
For example, it is characterized by the graceful sparkle due to the matte texture of the petal surface. Also, if you lay pave diamonds to make them sparkle, you can imagine such a scene, reminiscent of plum blossoms in the still cold snow. The sparkle of the pavé, like shimmering snowflakes, symbolizes the transition from winter to spring.
Petal Series
The Petal series is based on the theme of the beauty of a moment when the plum blossoms spill over. Inspired by the poetic expression of Japanese culture, “Cherry blossoms fall, plum blossoms spill, peonies crumble...”, the series takes shape in the fleeting beauty of this moment.
The shape of the two petals is slightly tilted, and we hope you enjoy the exquisite balance of the two petals as if they are about to spill over.
Since ancient times, Japanese people have been moved by the impermanence of all things, in other words, they have accepted the transient nature of things. That is why, I believe, they have always found differences in the moment of falling flowers and have felt the elegance of each flower.
Scent Series
Scent” means ”fragrance. Therefore, the theme of the Scent Series is the fragrance of plum blossoms.
I took on the challenge of capturing the fragrance of ume, which is noble and foreshadows spring, in jewelry. Plum blossoms have long been enjoyed more for their fragrance than for their looks. At the end of winter, when the fragrance of plum blossoms wafts in the air, we feel excited that spring will soon be here.
The icon of the Scent was inspired by the crest of the “fragrant plum”. The fan shape in the center of the icon is a chic accent, evoking the lingering scent of the elegant and graceful plum blossoms.
ーI see, I was surprised to see such a profound intention behind each of the series.
How do you plan to develop the Planas Mume collection in the future? Please tell us about your current vision!
First of all, we would like to continue to enhance the items in each series.
Also, in the future, we would like to add more series that can bring out new aspects of the plum. I believe that by incorporating elements that have not been touched upon in previous collections, we will be able to create a richer expression.
Because it is a narrow theme, we feel that there are infinite possibilities within it, and we ourselves are excited about pursuing these possibilities.
ーLastly, what is the message you would like to convey through the Prunus Mume collection?
At first glance, the plum is a small, unassuming flower, but it contains an amazingly rich story. We hope that through our collection, customers will discover the beauty and depth of the ume, and that by wearing it, they will add a new perspective to their daily lives. We also hope that the energy of this single flower will spread throughout the world.
In this issue, we will delve deeper into the meaning and ingenuity behind the collection's design through an interview with the creative director behind the Prunus Mume collection.
Also, please take a look at our past articles to learn more about his thoughts behind the Prunus Mume Collection and the creation of the brand.
Creator's Talk “Thoughts on Plum Blossoms and Jewelry in My Hometown”
Creator's Talk Special (1) “Mr. & Mrs. Abe” is aiming for the future through “Plum (Prunus Mume)
ーThe “ Prunus Mume” collection is based on the theme of “ume”, isn't it? What do you pay attention to in designing a single motif, not a whole flower, but a single type of plum tree?
Plum trees are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, but on the other hand, we felt that they do not receive as much attention as cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums. For us, ume is not only beautiful, but also has symbolism and a special story. We are fascinated by the fact that a single flower can have so many facets, and our desire to express this deep fascination through jewelry and create new value is the starting point of this collection.
We also place importance on pursuing a narrow but deep theme as the brand's vision. We want people to feel that we can create a worldview that expands in any number of ways through diverse designs and artistic endeavors centered on a single flower called “ume.
The charm of the ume is truly diverse, from its shape and fragrance to its historical symbolism. The core of our design process is the process of digging deep into each of these elements and translating them into the form of jewelry.
In this process, we are always conscious of the “modernization of the ume” (plum). Our goal is not to simply reproduce traditional images, but to evolve them into a form that fits modern lifestyles and values.
ーWhat exactly is your attempt at “modernization” in design?
Many Japanese people think of ume as traditional and classical, but we are trying to fuse modern sensibilities and new values into it. For example, we pursue minimalistic and sophisticated forms and designs that blend in with modern lifestyles while maintaining a classic beauty. This is a challenge to “evolve” the image of the plum, and is the fundamental axis that runs through the entire collection.
The Planus Mume Collection includes several series. What are the characteristics of each of them and what are the key points of their design?
I personally value the structure of having multiple series in the collection in order to express the multifaceted charm of the plum tree. Each of them symbolically expresses the charm of the ume, so let me talk about them one by one.
Blossom Series
Blossom is the foundation of the brand. Aiming to express the royal charm of the Ume blossoms, we value their elegant and serene beauty.
For example, it is characterized by the graceful sparkle due to the matte texture of the petal surface. Also, if you lay pave diamonds to make them sparkle, you can imagine such a scene, reminiscent of plum blossoms in the still cold snow. The sparkle of the pavé, like shimmering snowflakes, symbolizes the transition from winter to spring.
Petal Series
The Petal series is based on the theme of the beauty of a moment when the plum blossoms spill over. Inspired by the poetic expression of Japanese culture, “Cherry blossoms fall, plum blossoms spill, peonies crumble...”, the series takes shape in the fleeting beauty of this moment.
The shape of the two petals is slightly tilted, and we hope you enjoy the exquisite balance of the two petals as if they are about to spill over.
Since ancient times, Japanese people have been moved by the impermanence of all things, in other words, they have accepted the transient nature of things. That is why, I believe, they have always found differences in the moment of falling flowers and have felt the elegance of each flower.
Scent Series
Scent” means ”fragrance. Therefore, the theme of the Scent Series is the fragrance of plum blossoms.
I took on the challenge of capturing the fragrance of ume, which is noble and foreshadows spring, in jewelry. Plum blossoms have long been enjoyed more for their fragrance than for their looks. At the end of winter, when the fragrance of plum blossoms wafts in the air, we feel excited that spring will soon be here.
The icon of the Scent was inspired by the crest of the “fragrant plum”. The fan shape in the center of the icon is a chic accent, evoking the lingering scent of the elegant and graceful plum blossoms.
ーI see, I was surprised to see such a profound intention behind each of the series.
How do you plan to develop the Planas Mume collection in the future? Please tell us about your current vision!
First of all, we would like to continue to enhance the items in each series.
Also, in the future, we would like to add more series that can bring out new aspects of the plum. I believe that by incorporating elements that have not been touched upon in previous collections, we will be able to create a richer expression.
Because it is a narrow theme, we feel that there are infinite possibilities within it, and we ourselves are excited about pursuing these possibilities.
ーLastly, what is the message you would like to convey through the Prunus Mume collection?
At first glance, the plum is a small, unassuming flower, but it contains an amazingly rich story. We hope that through our collection, customers will discover the beauty and depth of the ume, and that by wearing it, they will add a new perspective to their daily lives. We also hope that the energy of this single flower will spread throughout the world.