A Frenchwoman who was fascinated by the shine of Japanese pearl works has come here all alone to master the skill from an artisan.
Aiko Coutoleau, 36, began her apprenticeship last September at the studio of Sakai Kogeisha in Shima, Mie Prefecture. Using seashells from pearl oysters, silver-lipped pearl oysters and abalone that produce mother-of-pearl inside their shells, the studio produces various items, including fake fingernails, by processing the iridescent material.
Born and raised in France to a French father and Japanese mother, Coutoleau has been receiving training from Kazuhisa Sakai, 54.