Kayo Saito Wa Ring Black Rhodium

Each ring is available in either gold, or black rhodium, with the metal beaten by a hammer into a thin conical sheet. As with all of Saito’s work, Wa is influenced by the overlooked miracles of nature, referencing plants as endless cycles of energy.

As with many monosyllabic words, Wa can be stressed in different ways to alter its meaning. Most Japanese speakers would understand ‘circle’ as its everyday use, but with added emphasis its meaning can be extended to ‘Origin of Japan’. To Saito, the continuous circle shape of each ring gives a sense of inclusivity and completeness, that is also felt by the wearer.

The black rhodium rings will over time scratch, revealing the silver underneath. This is intended by the artist, who experiments with layering elements of time in all her work. Saito’s unique approach is a hybrid of Japanese and European goldsmithing techniques, as she trained metal working in Japan and then completed her Masters at the Royal College of Art, London.