Our Story
Where Ancient Craft
Meets Modern Design
Orami carries forward the centuries-old tradition of raden (螺钿) — the art of inlaying luminous abalone shell into lacquerware. Each piece is a conversation between heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
A Heritage of Light
Raden has been practiced for over a millennium, originating in the workshops of Tang Dynasty China and later refined by Japanese and Korean artisans. The technique transforms ordinary abalone shells into extraordinary works of art — their natural iridescence preserved for generations.
At Orami, we honor this legacy while embracing modern design sensibilities. Our artisans train for years under master craftsmen, learning to read the grain and color of each shell before making a single cut.
Every piece that leaves our workshop carries within it the patient hands of tradition and the bold vision of tomorrow.
Hand-sawn shell inlay — each piece fitted by touch
1,200 Years of Craft
The Raden Timeline
A journey through the ages — from Tang Dynasty imperial workshops to modern artisan studios.
Origins of Raden
Raden (螺钿) shell inlay first flourished in Tang Dynasty China, adorning imperial furniture, musical instruments, and ceremonial objects with luminous abalone and mother-of-pearl.
Perfection in Japan
Japanese artisans refined the craft to extraordinary precision, creating the Raden technique still practiced today. Makie (gold lacquer) combined with shell inlay became a signature of luxury craftsmanship.
Golden Age
Chinese raden reached its zenith during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with elaborate screen panels, furniture, and scholarly objects featuring increasingly complex shell inlay compositions.
Orami — Heritage Reimagined
We carry this 1,200-year tradition forward, combining traditional hand techniques with modern design sensibilities. Every Orami piece is a bridge between centuries of craft and contemporary beauty.
The Process
Five Steps to Perfection
Each raden piece undergoes a meticulous five-step process, combining ancient techniques with uncompromising attention to detail.
Design
设计Every piece begins with a vision. Our designers sketch intricate patterns inspired by nature, tradition, and contemporary aesthetics. The design is then transferred onto the base surface as a guide for the inlay.
Select Shell
选材Premium abalone shells are hand-picked for their iridescent quality. Only shells with the most vivid blue, green, and purple shimmer are chosen — each one unique, like a fingerprint.
Cut & Fit
切割拼贴Each shell piece is sawn with a traditional jeweler's saw, following the design with sub-millimeter precision. Pieces are fitted one by one into the lacquered surface, composing the final image.
Lacquer & Gold
髹漆描金Multiple layers of natural lacquer seal the shell inlay, each cured and polished. 24K gold leaf is then hot-stamped using brass dies to accent borders, veins, and highlights.
Polish & Deliver
打磨成品The surface is polished through progressively finer abrasives until the shell reveals its full iridescent brilliance. A final protective coat is applied, then each piece is carefully packaged.
Our Artisans
Meet the Masters
Our team of master artisans brings decades of combined experience in the art of raden. Their dedication ensures every piece meets the highest standards.
Master Chen
Lead Artisan · 30 years
Landscape compositions, multi-shell techniques
Master Li
Gold Foil Specialist · 22 years
Hot-foil stamping, brass die engraving
Master Wang
Shell Selection Expert · 18 years
Shell grading, color matching, precision cutting
Our Mission
“To preserve and evolve the art of raden for future generations — making ancient shell inlay craftsmanship accessible, beautiful, and deeply personal through the marriage of tradition and technology.”
Our Promise
Uncompromising Quality
Handcrafted Excellence
Every piece is made entirely by hand. No shortcuts, no mass production. Each creation is unique.
Premium Materials
We source only the finest abalone shells and natural lacquers, ensuring lasting beauty and durability.
Lifetime Care
We stand behind our work. Each piece comes with care instructions and our commitment to repair support.
Ethical Sourcing
All shells are sustainably sourced from certified suppliers with full traceability.
Presentation
Crafted Packaging
Every Orami piece arrives in packaging worthy of the art within. Our paulownia wood boxes are hand-crafted and lined with silk, providing both beauty and protection.
Each box includes a certificate of authenticity, care instructions, and a description of the materials and techniques used in your piece.
Whether as a personal treasure or a gift for someone special, the unboxing experience is designed to be memorable.
Ready to Create Something Beautiful?
Explore our gallery or start designing your own custom raden piece.