NEWS

Oriental culture is a source of inspiration for creating delicate, simple jewellery that is in harmony with nature

Occident and Orient lived back to back for centuries. Until the late-16th century, the links between oriental and western culture were practically inexistent, thus creating cultures and styles of jewellery with totally distinct traits. Nevertheless, the beginning of trade relations between India and Europe as from the 16th century provided a cultural exchange between oriental and occidental culture that opened up many opportunities in jewellery.

As from the 17th century the trade routes between east and west began to exchange precious materials for the production of jewellery. Gold and silver from Europe was exchanged for diamonds, sapphires or rubies from India. The cultural exchange initiated through the silk route brought a growing influence of oriental styles in the west. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the influence of oriental jewellery in Europe was mainly focused on the use of precious materials, until then rare on the old continent. But the oriental influence on European jewellery production reached a turning point at the end of the 19th century, with the emergence of contemporary jewellery.

In this article, from Majoral we want to take a brief look at the oriental influence on the production of our jewellery collections. An influence that has been a source of inspiration for the production of special, unique and evocative items of jewellery.

Majoral’s origins date back to the 70s, when Enric Majoral consolidated his life and creative experience on the island of Formentera. But the Mediterranean essence of Majoral’s work in his beginnings has not been an impediment to finding sources of inspiration in other currents and cultures of the world. And among them, oriental culture and nature have always played a major role in the artisanal creation of Enric and Roc Majoral. In fact, as a young man, Enric Majoral set off on a journey by van to India which, years later, would serve him as a source of inspiration when creating new collections. From Ancient Egypt to Japan, the natural and cultural richness of the Orient has resulted in many evocative Majoral collections.

Flo: jewellery with echoes of oriental decorativism

In 2007 Roc Majoral created the Flo collection, a set of pieces of jewellery made in yellow gold and diamonds. The collection, refined and dynamic, possesses echoes of oriental decorativism. Its delicate lines and warm colour evoke Ancient Egypt’s love for plant symbolism. Created by means of small cores of matt metal around the diamond, they recall stylised flowers and oriental symbols.

Sakura: the famous Japanese cherry translated into jewellery that seeks harmony with nature

Sakura is another collection with which Majoral offers a small homage to oriental culture. Specifically, Sakura aims to transmit the beauty and symbolism of the famous cherries from Japan. In Japan the Sakura is a symbol that evokes reflection, the temporary nature of life and the joy of living. Jewellery that emulates the petals of Japanese cherries, full of beauty, simplicity and harmony with nature.

Maiko: a homage to delicate Japanese poetry

If there is a culture that boosts Majoral’s creativity, it is Japanese culture. In this sense, in 2019 Roc Majoral designed the Maiko collection, a set of jewellery (available in gold and silver and gold) that generate oriental forms through the metallic folds that play on the reflection of the light on the skin. Its design is inspired by the Japanese theatre of kabuki and dance. A simple, delicate and feminine collection.

Samurai: a collection capable of reproducing the old breastplates of medieval Japanese warriors

Finally, we should highlight Majoral’s Samurai collection. Made up of small flakes that comprise a Japanese pattern, these items of jewellery are inspired by the forms of the breastplates of medieval warriors. The collection is of sober and austere colours, giving the pieces an elegant air and inspired by the rich Japanese culture.