Other than shells and animal teeth, coral was one of the earliest jewelry materials enjoyed by our species. Neolithic amulets in red coral found in digs in Switzerland date back to 8000 BCE. Virtually every cilivization since then, which either lived in proximity to warm shallow seas, or had developed trade routes to such, has made enthusiastic use of this material.
Commonly used as jewelry materials, SeaBamboo has an interesting structure that explains its name. The coral skeletons consist of stretches of branch-like, stony calcium carbonate material, interspersed with joint-like regions of gorgonin protein. The natural color is creamy white with brown or black. Sometimes the harder sections are cut out and dyed to make small beads or cabs, while in other cases larger pieces are used which incorporate both regions and retain the banded patterning.
SeaBamboo is CushCush newest Crafted Surfaces collection. Its modern yet warm sophisticated look features the natural striking grains of the coral material. Like Nature intended, the process of crafting the SeaBamboo material is a slow one. Beginning with periodical harvesting of the SeaBamboo from different coastal regions of Indonesian archipelagoes, to the process of sorting them, and finally inlaying them piece by piece by hand according to the desired pattern, all takes time to create a magnificent piece. The slowness of the process reflects the pursuit of perfection and respecting the nature of processes with the right speed.
|
|