This Artist Carves Miniature Skulls From Pearls (And Makes Beautiful Jewellery From Them)
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
Looking for some jewellery that’s a little different? You’ll struggle to find a line of accessories that are more unique – or beautifully made – than these beauts.
The handiwork of Shinji Nakaba, a Tokyo-based jewellery designer, each of these teeny tiny skulls are intricately carved out of pearls. We hazard a guess the late Alexander McQueen would’ve been a fan.
The skulls are used to create rings and brooches and we think you’ll agree that never has a skull looked quite so quaint.
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
Nakaba’s pearl skulls are just one example of this work. The designer, who’s been creating jewellery since 1974, regularly uses unconventional materials to create his pieces – such as iron bolts, beer cans and bits of rubbish.
“I just want to bring brand new life to something that has no value,” Nakaba tells Magnifico. “I use not only precious metals and stones, but also everyday things, such as aluminum beer cans, plastic bottle, or even garbage,” he explains on Etsy – where he sells many of his designs.
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
[Photo: Shinji Nakaba]
It may seem like Nakaba’s slightly obsessed with death - and perhaps he is. Many of his carved skulls feature the word “vanitas”, the Latin word for “vanity” thought to be a reference to 16th – 17th century funerary art.
Work of this type emphasised the meaninglessness of earthly life “and the transient nature of all earthly goods and pursuits.”
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