Wood-Fired Ceramic Necklace | Whale Tail

| Wood-Fired Ceramic Necklace | Whale Tail On Taiwan's east coast, spring marks the season when whales migrate north with the Kuroshio Current. As the largest animals on Earth, witnessing such a magnificent, almost mythical presence firsthand on this small island is a fortunate event. In February of this year, a humpback whale mother and calf passed by Orchid Island. The aunties gathered at the general store, drinking Vita 180, were all boasting about how big the whales they saw were. On Orchid Island, those who haven't seen a whale are teased until they do. Though I maintained a calm exterior as a city dweller, the moment the last coin from my purchase clinked onto the table, I rushed to the sea where the whales had been spotted. By the time I arrived, I witnessed its descent – the whale's tail lingered on the water's surface before disappearing. The onlookers had dispersed, but I stayed, the sea remaining tranquil. I never saw them again after that. | About This Piece | The people of Orchid Island have their own lunar calendar and seasonal rituals, with traditions and taboos passed down through generations. These form the guiding principles for the Tao people's lives on the island. At the end of the flying fish season each year, it is the Tao people's "pitanatana" – the month of pottery making – which they consider the most suitable time for crafting ceramics. Traditionally, only men were permitted to participate in the pottery-making process, and they had to strictly adhere to the taboos and traditions passed down by their ancestors. The Tao are one of the few indigenous groups in Taiwan who still maintain the tradition of pottery making. They categorize the quality of their clay into blue, red, and yellow. The rarest and highest quality is the blue clay, which can only be found and collected from the mountaintops and the origins of streams. This whale tail necklace incorporates this blue clay in its creation. It is made using the wood-firing technique, without any glaze. After the piece is placed in the kiln, wood is used as fuel. As ash from the burning wood falls onto the piece, adorning its surface with varying textures, the high temperature of over 1200 degrees Celsius fuses it into unique scorch marks. Cord Color Options: 1. Waxed Leather Cord: Color selection available https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473207643_3615039195.jpg 2. South American Wax Cord: Color selection available https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473373989_cc1da7b833.jpg Cord Length (65cm - 70cm): 1. Waxed Leather Cord: Length can be freely adjusted. Please hold the knot firmly when adjusting to prevent it from loosening. 2. South American Wax Cord: Length can be freely adjusted. Please hold the knot firmly when adjusting to prevent it from loosening. ————————— Living on Orchid Island, and inspired by its land, from collecting clay in the mountains to the final firing, each piece is handcrafted. We hope you can carry this small piece of Orchid Island with you. ————————— | Before You Purchase | 1. Each of our works is a unique handmade item, preserving its distinct feel and traces. After you place your order, we will contact you promptly to select your preferred whale tail and ensure a smooth shopping experience. 2. For both waxed leather cords and handmade cords, please try to avoid contact with detergents and excessively hot water. Prolonged wear will cause abrasion, and regular replacement is recommended. 3. Each piece is meticulously crafted in our studio. Ceramic products are water-resistant, acid-resistant, and fade-proof, but they are not impact-resistant. Please handle with care after purchase. 4. Due to the logistical challenges between Orchid Island and mainland Taiwan, please be patient after your purchase. We ask for your understanding in case of flight cancellations due to weather. 5. Your piece will be carefully packaged to prevent damage during shipping. To avoid disputes, please record the unboxing process in its entirety. 6. Feel free to message us with any questions before or after your purchase. We also welcome any curiosity you may have about Orchid Island.