Ise Shima. A Secret Gem
In 1946, Ise Shima was designated as a National Park in the hopes of maintaining its pristine and natural landscape.
The jagged coastline with countless bays and deep inlets are sprinkled with islets that add charm to the area and make it a highly favorable location for cultivating pearls.
The Grand Shrine of Ise Jingu – a National Heritage Site, pearl rafts, and female divers known as “Ama” enhance the spectacular scenery and add to the character of Ise Shima. This exquisite balance between the natural landscape and a rich cultural history makes Ise Shima National Park such a wonderful place to visit.
We are honored to introduce Ms Candice Soon, artist and teacher, a native of Singapore currently living in the USA, who created inspired paintings of Ise Shima Japan for Pearl FALCO. Candice Soon’s latest rendering of Ise Shima to the left is posted publicly here for the very first time. The paintings below are on display at our Pearl FALCO Singapore Gallery.
Many of our Singapore Gallery visitors who comment on the paintings below find it hard to believe that Candice has not yet visited Ise Shima. Nonetheless, Candice is able to beautifully interpret Ise Shima as if she had lived there most of her life.
Why Is Ise Shima Considered the Birthplace of Cultured Pearls?
From 1888 to 1906, a sustainable means of cultivating beautifully round cultured Akoya pearls was developed at Ago Bay on Ise Shima. These techniques and practices were later shared with the world and were the foundation of the worldwide pearl industry we recognize today.
Once a sustainable means of round pearl cultivation had been discovered, a vertically integrated pearl cultivation industry came to life and continues to this day on Ise Shima. A multi-year process, from pearl cultivation to harvesting, cleaning, processing, grading and the crafting of luxury pearl jewelry. The next time you are able to visit a Pearl Falco Showroom, you will better understand what it means when we share how each pearl on display has been ‘touched at least 3000 times.’
We at Pearl FALCO believe works of art, whether luxury pearl jewelry or Candice’s paintings of Ise Shima, connect Ise Shima Japan with Singapore in a uniquely positive way, transcending cultures and languages. Thank you Candice!
If you would like to learn more about Candice Soon’s artwork, Candice invites you to reach out to her directly at candicesoon@gmail.com.