Kumiko Kihara

Jewellery maker

A tradition carried in wax

Kumiko makes jewellery using the mitsuro hikime technique
Her jewellery begins as drawings that help her explore movement and space
She is writing a book about her craft to help preserve it

Kumiko Kihara creates jewellery using sterling silver and 24 carat gold that captures quiet, fleeting moments such as light, mist or movement. Guided by ancient techniques, her pieces are a dialogue between tradition, nature and emotion. "My deepest influence comes from my homeland in Japan, where I learnt the ancient traditions of the lost-wax mitsuro hikime technique and Japanese calligraphy," Kumiko says. The slow, tactile processes have become central to her practice. The gentle pressure of her thumbs and the flow of lines give her pieces a distinctive piece. Kumiko embraces the Japanese concept of Ma, which values the space between elements as much as the elements themselves. "I want my jewellery to offer a pause and a breath for anyone who sees or wears it. I want them to feel a quiet presence that deepens their awareness of the silent beauty that surrounds them," she says.

Interview

What inspired your interest in crafts?: My aunt, who always wore beautiful kimonos and styled her hair with kanzashi hairpins, sparked my love for craft. I still remember the sound her tassels made as she moved. That mix of elegance, tradition and detail stayed with me and led me to explore Japanese crafts and jewellery.
How does your creative process unfold?: I begin by drawing with Japanese ink to study rhythm, which helps me understand how a piece should move and feel. When I work with mitsuro wax, my fingers follow the same flow as the brushstrokes. At that point, I become so focused I sometimes forget to breathe.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I work with mitsuro hikime, a Japanese lost-wax technique developed more than 1300 years ago for sculptures and temple decoration. My QEST scholarship allowed me to study it with a master in Japan. I also practise chasing and repoussé.
How are you carrying your craft forward?: Mitsuro hikime is a dying technique. There is no set formula for creating the wax, and very few artists still pass it down. I sought out Japanese masters who were willing to teach me both the technique and its history. My goal is to keep mitsuro hikime alive and pass it on through my work and teaching.

Kumiko Kihara is a rising star: she began her career in 2021 and she started teaching in 2025