Red Peony Princess, Precious Coral Art. Photo: Kadota Mikiya

Japanese land produces very few mineral gem stones. Surrounded by
the sea, however, it is a world leader in supplying the most beautiful “red
corals” (Corallium Rubrum) called
“precious corals" for their rarity.

Kochi was the first to start harvesting coral and still boasts the
largest volume of production in Japan. It is the center of the coral industry,
including trading untreated coral. With its geographical advantages, Kochi
nurtured the art of working with precious coral till it blossomed into a form
unlike any other in the world. Crafting this rare resource, the artisans have brought
out the natural beauty of coral, enhancing its expression, and with ever new experiments
have developed an art world that is as wide and rich as the sea.