櫻花、繡球花、楓葉、山茶花⋯⋯代表四季的花朵，提醒我們季節的來臨。日本的四季分明，我們能透過觀察自然而知四季；日本的制菓師更會把四季的花卉形態融入傳統和菓子中，讓我們能從中感受四季。繁複的設計、精細的手工、豐富的色彩，把自然景色融入掌心細小的甜點中，不但賞心悅目，更體現出日本傳統的美學。
被和菓子深深吸引的珠寶設計師饭冢ひろ子（ Hiroko Iizuka），把和菓子的創作概念放到珠寶設計中，完美的切割、細心地打磨，每一件作品都由她親手製作，她把色彩斑斕的寶石命名為栗子、赤豆、櫻花，透過光線折射出美妙的光芒，如和菓子般，同樣是藝術品。
就像不捨自然美景消逝、不忍把精緻的和菓子吃進肚子，抱著把它們保存一輩子的心情來創作，Iizuka 把短暫又變化無常的美麗，以另一種形式保存下來，脆弱變成堅固、瞬間變成了永恆。
Cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, maple leaves, and camellias—these seasonal flowers herald the arrival of Japan’s distinctive four seasons. This natural rhythm invites us to engage deeply with the beauty of the changing landscape. The traditional art of wagashi, inspired by these floral forms, encapsulates the essence of each season. With their intricate designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and vibrant colors, wagashi transform nature’s splendor into exquisite confections, reflecting the heart of Japanese aesthetics.
Jewelry designer Hiroko Iizuka, enchanted by wagashi, infuses this concept into her jewelry creations. Each piece, crafted with precision and care, showcases perfect cuts and a delicate polish. Iizuka names her colorful gemstones after elements of nature—chestnuts, adzuki beans, cherry blossoms—allowing them to refract light in a captivating display, mirroring the artistry of wagashi.
Just as one might hesitate to indulge in a delicate wagashi, wishing to preserve its beauty, Iizuka strives to capture the transient, ever-changing nature of beauty in a lasting form. In her hands, fragility transforms into strength, and fleeting moments become eternal.
—— 可以分享你是如何成為珠寶設計師和建立品牌 CLAS 嗎？
Iizuka：我整個童年都在大自然的包圍下成長，季節性的花朵、莓果、昆蟲和動物等都是我早年生活的一部分。記憶中，那時的我總是遊玩其中，在大自然中流連忘返。小時候的我很享受以雙手來創作，好像是為洋娃娃製作衣服、飾物等微細的東西，我會根據想像中的故事，來為娃娃打扮，迎合我的微型世界。
對畫畫和小手作的濃厚興趣，帶領我進入技術學校，主修珠寶設計。我相信珠寶擁有無窮的可能性，可以收藏人們的感受和反映他們的故事於許多微小的世界之中。畢業後，我成為了這所學校的教師，同時建立了自己的品牌 CLAS。
珠寶經常啟發我表達自己的世界觀，以及展示由孩童時期培養、珍貴的製作技術。
—— 你的靈感是從那裡來？
Iizuka：當你靜下來，你便能聽到寶石的聲音，我經常受到它們本來的顏色和形態所啟發。另外，我的作品也蘊含日本四季的景色，日本獨特的歷史建築、傳統的菓子也是靈感來源。
—— 創作中有遇上困難嗎？
Iizuka：把不同款式的寶石完美地融合起來是最困難的部分。即使是第一眼看起來配襯度很高的寶石，在真正融合起來時，也會出現互不適合的狀況。唯有持續思考和結合它們，不斷尋找和嘗試，直至寶石們互相給對方一個「OK」的訊息。
Can you share how you became a jewelry designer and established the brand CLAS?
I grew up surrounded by nature, where seasonal flowers, berries, insects, and animals were a part of my early life. I have fond memories of exploring the outdoors, fully immersed in the natural world. As a child, I loved creating with my hands, making tiny outfits and accessories for my dolls, inspired by imaginary stories that enriched my miniature universe.
My passion for painting and crafts led me to a technical school, where I specialized in jewelry design. I believe jewelry possesses boundless potential to encapsulate emotions and reflect stories within small worlds. After graduating, I became a teacher at my alma mater and launched my brand, CLAS.
My jewelry often serves as a medium for expressing my worldview, showcasing the precious skills I cultivated in my youth.
Where do you find inspiration?
When you quiet your mind, you can hear the voice of the gemstones. I frequently draw inspiration from their natural colors and forms. Additionally, my work reflects the landscapes of Japan’s seasons and is also influenced by the country’s unique historical architecture and traditional wagashi.
Have you encountered challenges in your creative process?
The most challenging aspect is achieving a harmonious blend of different gemstone styles. Even if they appear to complement each other at first glance, they can clash when combined. It requires ongoing contemplation and experimentation until the gemstones resonate with a mutual understanding.
—— 可以談談創作〈日本和菓子〉系列的想法嗎？用了什麼原料製作？
Iizuka：〈日本和菓子〉的靈感來自四季的自然景色，裡面蘊含日本獨特的歷史文化，尤其是日本傳統的和菓子。這些元素融入珠寶設計之中，專注於形狀和顏色上呈現出來，我想透過它們向世界傳達日本原始的魅力。
這系列用了不同形狀和顏色的天然寶石，讓人想起日本傳統的和菓子，如麻糬、櫻花、抹茶、赤豆等，當中還有我最喜歡的當季花卉系列。
—— 你最常佩戴的首飾是什麼？
Iizuka：我正佩戴的是 CLAS 中〈幸運戒指〉系列的其中一款戒指，這是一款祝願「人們擁有美好的將來」的首飾，也是品牌恆常的款式，設計優雅而細膩。我習慣戴2隻在左手，分別在無名指和尾指。
Can you talk about the inspiration behind your “Japanese Wagashi” series? What materials did you use?
The “Japanese Wagashi” series draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the seasons, enriched by Japan’s unique cultural heritage, particularly its traditional sweets. These elements are woven into my jewelry design, focusing on shapes and colors that convey Japan’s intrinsic charm.
This series features a variety of natural gemstones in various shapes and colors, evoking traditional wagashi such as mochi, cherry blossoms, matcha, and adzuki beans. I’ve also included a collection inspired by my favorite seasonal flowers.
What jewelry do you wear most often?
I often wear a ring from the “Lucky Ring” collection. This piece is designed to wish for a beautiful future for its wearer and remains a staple in my collection. I typically wear two on my left hand—one on my ring finger and another on my pinky.
—— 可以分享你日常的一天嗎？
Iizuka：每天早上，我會為露台的植物澆水、替花瓶換水，每天摸摸葉子，觀察它們的狀態和聽聽它們的聲音。中午，我會在店裡與客人直接接觸，或是在店裡的工作室創作。我經常與丈夫一起晚飯，並珍惜晚上與家人一起的時光。
—— 未來有什麼計劃嗎？
Iizuka：希望多點向日本以外的地方介紹 CLAS 的機會。
Can you share a glimpse into your daily life?
Each morning, I tend to the plants on my terrace, refreshing the water in my vases, taking a moment to touch the leaves, and observing their condition. At noon, I engage with customers in my store or create in my studio. Evenings are often spent enjoying dinner with my husband, cherishing quality time with family.
What are your future plans?
I hope to find more opportunities to introduce CLAS to audiences beyond Japan.
CLAS is now available at The Little Shop.
