Gold Granulation by Nao goldwork
| Gold granulation 1 |
Gold granulation 2 |
Flow of the production process |
It was twenty-five years ago that I discovered gold jewelry
featuring the gold granulation technique
at the Ilias Lalaounis boutique in the Hotel
New Otani in Tokyo,
I was amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship.
In 1995, the online community Ganoksin was launched.
On this site for professionals, I was able to read an explanation of
the granulation technique by Professor Erhard Brepohl
titled Goldsmithing Granulation Technique.
https://www.ganoksin.com/article/goldsmithing-granulation-technique/
At that time, I had several opportunities to visit the island of Bali, Indonesia.
There were workshops there where granulation work was being carried out
using the exact methods described by the professor.
I was able to observe the artisans at work and ask them about
the materials and production processes.
After returning to Japan,I began
creating granulation jewelry using the methods I had witnessed.
There are many museums around the world - such as
the Petrie Museum in London - that house ancient Egyptian
gold artifacts featuring granulation work.
I came across a gold amulet while searching on Google Images,
so I decided to create a technical drawing based on the photograph.
I drew the design at ten times the actual size, which was quite a challenge.
However, heating and joining the various parts and the granules proved
easier than expected, and I was able to complete the piece in a single
day.
Since it is an amulet, I designed it so that something can be
placed inside. It is made entirely of 24-karat gold;
it measures 3.85 cm in length and weighs 11.42 g.
As you can see, some of the granules have fallen off.
The original amulet also has many missing granules,
so I am not concerned about it.
Gold Amulet with granulation
Dimensions : 3.85 cm x 0.8cm x 0.8cm
Weight : 11.44 g, Material : Gold 99.99
I created a ring featuring a pyramid made by stacking granules of gold.
The sun is a ruby; the cascading light is made of gold granules.
I arranged gold granules onto a 24-karat gold sheet
and heated the entire piece at once.
I was initially unsure how the heating process would turn out, but
the bonding was completed in a flash - taking only about five minutes.
I cut the piece into a triangle, attached the frame for the sun,
and set the ruby in place. Finally, I finished it as a brooch.
Three goddess statues are pouring water from jars.
About five kilometers from Ubud Palace, there are
ruins of the Hindu temple Pura Goa Gajah.
In two bathing areas, a total of six wonderful
goddess statues pour water.
Morning view of Arma Resort Hotel garden:
On top of the stone bridge,
there is a“Canang sari”offered
to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa,
as a form of thanking
for the peace given to the world.
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