A size that's easy to wear every day: ARATA's Baby Washi Pearl Accessories

Washi pearls are made by ARATA, a Kyoto brand that creates accessories by making the most of the warm texture and lightness of washi (Japanese paper). Understated yet possessing a unique presence, they are a material that can be worn far more casually than jewelry-grade pearls. Perhaps because of this distinctive use of material, the brand's regular lineup is known for its bold, dressy designs and striking use of color.

Wanting to capture the "quiet modesty" that ARATA's washi pearls can express, we asked the brand to develop a smaller washi pearl.

For everyday wear, like a pearl. The birth of the Baby Washi Pearl

This special-order item was made with ARATA under the theme of "small, understated, everyday wear." Until now, the smallest of ARATA's washi pearls measured 6mm in diameter. This time, we asked them to make it even smaller—down to 4mm. The difference is only 2mm, but that 2mm makes all the difference. When you actually put on the finished accessory, you'll be surprised at how different the impression is.

The 4mm size is this special order's "Baby Washi Pearl." Compared to the previous 1cm and 6mm sizes, you can see just how small it is.

By becoming smaller, the pearl gained the understated charm characteristic of washi—resulting in an accessory that never asserts itself too strongly, but gently complements whatever you're wearing.

We named this newly completed 4mm washi pearl the "Baby Washi Pearl," and decided to make it a full lineup as its own series. Like baroque pearls, Baby Washi Pearls have an irregular, endearing form. Some are nearly round, others are oval—their imperfect shapes are proof that each one is handmade, one by one.

Not just this Baby Washi Pearl, but all of ARATA's washi pearls are made using a special three-dimensional processing technique. Washi is applied by hand around a core, layer by layer—but the smaller the pearl, the more difficult this becomes. We're told that achieving the target size of 4mm required painstaking fine adjustments, as the pearls kept coming out either too small or too large.

The Baby Washi Pearl series—designed to be mixed and matched

With the Baby Washi Pearl, we had six designs made in total: three earring designs, two necklace designs, and one bracelet design. December brings more parties with friends, year-end gatherings with business contacts, and family get-togethers, so we think these "polished yet unpretentious" Baby Washi Pearl accessories will come in handy. They also make wonderful gifts for the women in your life.
Now, let's introduce each item one by one.

【 Special Order Baby Washi Pearl Lantern Hook Earrings 】

These earrings feature an original metal fitting, made specially because none of the ready-made hardware matched the intended look. When the sample was completed, a staff member glanced at the curved hook and remarked, "It looks like a lantern," which is how these came to be named the "Lantern Hook Earrings."

Normally, the hook part of hook earrings is meant to stay hidden, but here, the hook itself is treated as part of the design, deliberately visible peeking out below the ear when worn. The small pearl seems to sparkle, and yet the earring is remarkably light—each one weighs just 0.3g.

【 Special Order Baby Washi Pearl Cluster Earrings 】

These washi pearls are stacked as if forming a little snowman. As the name suggests, this earring design features three washi pearls arranged in a straight line. We kept the size compact, so it looks lovely worn either vertically or turned sideways to follow the curve of the earlobe.

【 Special Order Baby Washi Pearl Two-Drop Earrings 】

These earrings feature two washi pearls connected by a chain, gently swaying with movement. Designs with this kind of motion add a touch of glamour when worn, making them ideal for dinners and parties. With chain-style earrings, the weight can sometimes become bothersome as they sway—but since these are made of washi, there's no need to worry.

【 Special Order Baby Washi Pearl Seven-Drop Necklace 】

This long-style necklace shimmers with seven Baby Washi Pearls. It's perfect for adding a bit of sparkle when a simple top feels like it needs something more. The clasp ring, which allows for two-step length adjustment, is generously sized for easy fastening and unfastening—and it also serves as a nice design accent when seen from behind.

【 Special Order Baby Washi Pearl Cluster Necklace 】

This necklace is a bit shorter, falling just below the collarbone. Five Baby Washi Pearls are connected in a straight line. Since a wire core runs through the center, the pendant head doesn't sag and maintains a crisp, poised look.

【 Special Order Baby Washi Pearl Cluster Bracelet 】

This is the bracelet version of the "Cluster Necklace" introduced above. Pairing it with other pieces from the "Cluster" line within the Baby Washi Pearl series creates a cohesive, unified look.

The ease of putting on and taking off is another key point of this bracelet. Thanks to the magnetic clasp, the two ends simply snap together when brought close, and you're done—no fumbling with tiny hardware needed. Being able to put the bracelet on all by yourself, without wrestling with a small clasp, is a genuinely nice touch, and honestly a small moment of delight. (Just be careful not to pull on the chain when taking it off.)

Rather than aiming for an overall dressy impression, it's designed as an accessory you can wear casually with everyday outfits, so please enjoy pairing it freely with your daily looks.

— ARATA —

ARATA began in 2011, when its designer, who had spent eight years working in the family business producing washi (Japanese paper) items for temples and shrines, decided to launch a brand of her own. Washi is one of Japan's representative traditional industries, yet it faces many challenges, including competition from inexpensive Western paper and the aging and dwindling numbers of papermaking craftspeople. Above all, washi is no longer a material people encounter in their daily lives the way they once did.

And yet, washi is far more durable than Western paper, possesses a warm and gentle texture, and is also highly workable, capable of taking on whatever shape a maker wishes to give it. With the hope of contributing to the further growth of the washi industry—unbound by the constraints of tradition—and to uncovering new demand for it, she founded ARATA.

Caring for Your Washi Pearls

・Thanks to special processing, this material is water-resistant, but to ensure long-lasting use, please avoid wearing it while bathing or in situations where it will be exposed to water for extended periods.

・If the piece gets wet from water or rain, or comes into prolonged contact with skin during sweaty seasons, wipe it dry with a soft, dry cloth and let it air out, just as you would with any ordinary accessory.

・With long-term use, the surface may develop a slight fuzziness. This fuzziness is one of the distinctive charms unique to washi's texture. We hope you'll enjoy it as part of the piece's natural aging over time.