MIKIMOTO | Pearl School Held to Commemorate 120 Years Since the Invention of the Pearl

MIKIMOTO

First Session Features Akiko Fukai, Leading Fashion Historian

Celebrating 120 Years Since Pearl Invention with a "Pearl School"

MIKIMOTO, marking 120 years since the invention of the pearl, will host four lectures from April to December under the theme "Pearl School," aiming to let many people experience the charm of pearls, a gift from nature. The first session, on Saturday, April 13th, will be a lecture linked to the exhibition "The Pearl Necklace: Weaving Radiance" held at the MIKIMOTO Ginza Main Store.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Pearl Lecture for Working Women Scheduled for October

This year marks a significant milestone for MIKIMOTO, celebrating 120 years since founder Kokichi Mikimoto invented the pearl. Once the exclusive adornment of royalty and the privileged, as depicted in portraits and paintings, pearl jewelry became widely accessible as an ornament thanks to Kokichi Mikimoto's "great invention of the century" – pearl cultivation. MIKIMOTO, now realizing its dream to "adorn women around the world with pearls," has planned "Pearl School" to showcase the multifaceted beauty of pearls throughout the year.

The first session, on Saturday, April 13th, will be held in conjunction with "The Pearl Necklace: Weaving Radiance." Akiko Fukai, Director and Chief Curator of the Costume Institute, Kyoto Costume Institute, and a leading authority in fashion research, will discuss the relationship between the evolution of fashion and accessories in Europe.

In addition, four lectures are planned with different themes: an experiential observation session for upper elementary school students titled "Discover the Sea That Nurtures Pearls," co-hosted by MIKIMOTO and the University of Tokyo's Misaki Marine Biological Station on Saturday, July 20th; a "Pearl Lecture for Working Women" scheduled for October; and "The Science of Pearls, Jewels of the Sea," planned for November. All lectures are free to attend.

Akiko Fukai / Photo: Kazuo Fukunaga

Focusing on Pearl Necklaces, Unraveling the History of Pearls

Also, as part of its 120th-anniversary commemoration, MIKIMOTO is holding the exhibition "The Pearl Necklace: Weaving Radiance" at the MIKIMOTO Ginza Main Store from Friday, March 22nd to Monday, May 6th (public holiday), which delves into the history of pearls with a focus on necklaces.

The exhibition will feature items such as jewelry auction catalogs and design sketches from the natural pearl era, antique jewelry from around 1900, and necklaces from the early days of cultured pearl distribution. It also showcases valuable archives, including MIKIMOTO advertisements that established the current norm of "a pearl necklace for weddings," and catalogs illustrating the high popularity of pearl necklaces overseas after the war. Furthermore, innovative and luxurious necklaces specially created for this exhibition will be introduced.

Pearls are truly profound jewels, built upon advanced techniques and beautiful environments, boasting a long history and a diverse, elegant range of designs. Don't miss the various events that explore the secrets and allure of pearls, held during this special year celebrating 120 years since the success of cultured pearls.

"Pearl School" First Lecture
Lecture in conjunction with "The Pearl Necklace: Weaving Radiance" Exhibition
Date: Saturday, April 13th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue: MIKIMOTO Ginza 2, 5th Floor MIKIMOTO Atrium, 2-4-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Ginza Main Store 6F MIKIMOTO Hall, 4-5-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Lecturer: Akiko Fukai (Director, Chief Curator, Costume Institute, Kyoto Costume Institute)
Capacity: 35 people (no restrictions on gender or age)
Participation Fee: Free
How to Apply: Please send an email to gakkou@mikimoto.com with the subject line "Application for First Lecture" and include your name, age, gender, address, and phone number.
Application Deadline: By Thursday, March 28th

Details here
http://www.mikimoto.com/cmsjp/about-us/news/130312/01.htm

The Pearl Necklace: Weaving Radiance Exhibition
Period: Friday, March 22nd - Monday, May 6th (public holiday)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Admission Fee: Free
Venue: MIKIMOTO Main Store, 6th Floor MIKIMOTO Hall
4-5-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3535-4611

Details here
http://www.mikimoto.com/cmsjp/about-us/news/130125/02.html

MIKIMOTO Customer Service Center
Tel. 03-5550-5678