Cradle of Pearls
born from Motherly Love,
further exploring the bond between mother and child through the relationship between pearl and shell. Inspired by the navel as the body’s first physical connection to another being, the collection reflects on origin, dependence, and maternal devotion. As the body’s first scar, the navel becomes a symbolic trace of where life begins and of the invisible connection between mother and child.
The irregular forms throughout the collection evoke the unseen process of a child forming and growing within the womb, expressed through abstract and organic shapes.
Through hand carved pearl and mother of pearl, Seongmin Kim embraces natural imperfections and tactile surfaces, allowing the making process to reflect ideas of protection, time, and care. The works explore how fragility can gradually become strength, and how traces of connection remain within the body and memory throughout life.
Each piece transforms these symbolic forms into wearable jewellery, carrying ideas of origin, protection, resilience, and maternal love.