The Ama of Pearls

Oil on museum wrapped canvas, 24” x 20”, 3,000 USD

The Ama of Pearls is set in the 1950’s and portrays a high society woman wearing several strands of pearls at a cocktail party. Behind her is a framed photograph of a Japanese Ama diver, who wore only a rope and a blade around her waist as she slipped off a boat to hunt for oysters. My purpose is to illustrate one of the origins of pearls, and how this knowledge is often unknown or unappreciated. The diverse role of women in society has ensured the stability, progress, and long-term development of nations.