Japanese amber
Japanese amber is a type of amber that can be found in Japan.[1]
The largest sources of this substance are located in Honshu. It is similar to Baltic amber and has similar general use. However, Japanese amber is softer and much more difficult to treat than the Baltic type. Its treatment requires special care and precision because stones can be easily damaged. Its color range varies from many shades of orange to brown. It is characterized by dark spots that can be found on its surface. The opacity of Japanese amber varies from clear to opaque pieces.[2]
Location
Sources of Japanese amber can be found in many different locations all over Japan. They have the whole area of 2800 km, starting from
Use
Due to its soft and easy to damage surface Japanese amber is not widely used. It can be found in jewellery as a decorative gemstone or to decorate clothes and utility items.[6] A recovered decorative pillow from the 6th century decorated with Japanese amber was a part of an exhibition in Kaliningrad.[7] Modern artists prefer to use Baltic amber, as it is easier to work with and has similar aesthetic values.
References
- ^ Andrew Ross, Amber, Harvard University Press, 1998
- ^ Langenheim, Jean, Plant Resins: Chemistry, Evolution, Ecology, and Ethnobotany, Timber Press, 2003
- ^ George O. Poinar, Roberta Poinar, The Amber Forest: A Reconstruction of a Vanished World, Princeton University Press, 1999
- ^ Rice, Patty C., Amber: Golden Gem of the Ages, AuthorHouse, 2006
- ^ National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo - website
- ^ Gentarus Amber - Japanese amber in jewellery
- ^ Faya Causey, Amber and the Ancient World, Getty Publications, 2011