Man the world over has long been fascinated by pearls. In the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Babylon, pearls were a unit of monetary exchange. In the Bible, psalms praise the pearl's delicate beauty. The armies of Alexander the Great, lured by legends of pearl-paved roads, invaded India.
In Chinese history as well, the pearl has been much cherished. The pearl was listed as one of the precious stones of the Imperial Court in government records dating from the fifth century B.C.. Pearls were often a part of the treasure which was buried with the bodies of wealthy people. Scarcity of pearls during the T'ang and Yuan dynasties led to an Imperial monopoly on its exchange. During the Ming dynasty (1386-1644 A.D.), government decree went so far as to impose the death penalty on any unauthorized person caught dealing in pearls.
According to records in the Tien Kung K'ai, pearl collecting was practiced during the Sung dynasty (960-1279). Then, pearl fishermen in Kwangtung province, dove deep in search of elusive pearl oysters. Lashed by a length of cord to a boat above, and breathing through a lead pipe, the divers often risked their lives in the process of prying the oyster from its bed.
Unlike the West, where pearl cultivation did not begin until the 18th century, the practice began in China during the Sung dynasty. Records from 1082 reveal that farmers, placing foreign particles in oyster shells to stimulate the nacre, were able to cultivate pearls. Sometimes shaped like small Buddhas, lead particles placed in the shell produced mother-of-pearl Buddhas. Using Sung dynasty methods, full scale pearl cultivation industries were established in Japan over 100 years ago.
Only ten years since its establishment, the cultured pearl industry on Taiwan is exhibiting great potential. Still a nascent industry, domestic pearl cultivation is advantaged by climatic conditions, its island location, and numerous local fish ponds.
In 1975, two researchers with National Taiwan University, Lo Chin-t'ung and Lan Chao-tien, published the results of their experiments on pearl production in a variety of fresh water mussels. Impressed by these findings, the Farm Research Extension Bureau began government promotion of fresh water mussel pearl cultivation as a potentially profitable venture for island farmers.
Today both fresh water and salt water mussel pearl cultivation are practiced on Taiwan. Extremely well suited to fresh water cultivation, Taiwan boasts one hundred such farms. A stable, warm and humid climate is available on Taiwan, as are over 40,000 fish and irrigation ponds throughout the island which are suitable for raising the fresh water mussel (anodonta woodiana). Initial investment is minimal as mussels are cheap, food costs are low and little sophisticated equipment is necessary. With a high reproduction rate and a hardy nature, mussels can return large profits on a small investment.
Cultivation of fresh water pearls requires two to three years for proper maturation. First eight to ten pieces of the fleshy body of one mussel are inserted inside the shell of the host mussel. After treatment with a sulfa compound disinfectant, mussles are placed in a metal net cage and suspended underwater from bamboo poles. The mussel cages hang at depths of two to three meters. This process is usually carried out in the spring or autumn.
The successful yield rate is currently about 60 percent of all treated mussels. Of these, about one third are considered quality pearls. There is great risk involved in calculating the maturity of a pearl before prying open its shell. Supported by continuing government research and improved facilities, yield rates are certain to rise. On the market, the soft pink fresh water pearls can bring up to US$1,000 for a top specimen.
Subject to rough tides, winds, changing sea temperatures and other natural hazards, salt water cultivation of the sea mussel (tinctata woodiana) is far riskier than fresh water farming. On Taiwan, the Kungnien company on P'enghu island, operates the only domestic sea mussel farm. Established in 1980, the P'enghu farm required an initial investment of US$250,000 in equipment and advisors. The first harvest yield was only five percent of treated mussels. However, as P'enghu offers an ideal location for pearl farming, experts are confident that yields will soon improve. Unlike the serious water pollution problem which affects the Japanese industry, P'enghu boasts clean water and unlimited room for expansion in an area free from industrial encroachment.
The development of the fresh water pearl farms and the more recent sea farm venture are important steps in the diversification of island economy. Expectations for the success of both industries are high as the island's climate and existing fish farming industries can readily support pearl farming. Both ventures stand evidence to the growing economy of the Republic of China.
(Gerald Hatherly)
[Picture Caption]
1. Reaping the harvest, pearl farmers open mature mussels. 2. The fresh water mussel yields a soft-pink colored pearl that varies in shape and size. 3. Fresh water pearls are ideal for decorative jewelry pieces. 4. According to popular belief, a live pearl bearing mussel in the home is an omen for luck and prosperity. 5. An abundance of fresh water fish ponds throughout Taiwan provide ideal habitats for raising fresh water mussels.
1. Using recording equipment, experts check the changing sea temperature. 2. The Kungnien Company located on P'enghu island operates the only salt water pearl farm on Taiwan. 3. Divers at work bringing up the mussel net-cages. 4. An example of the lovely pearls produced by the salt water mussels. 5. Many farmers utilize fish ponds to raise both commercial fish and fresh water pearl mussels.
1. Potential pearl mussels are treated by experts. 2. The process of producing a pearl: inserting a small pearl into the reproductive canal of the salt water mussel. 3. The fresh water pearl is often combined with coral to make lovely jewelry. 4. Sea pearls are round and lustrous. 5. Women of all nationalities and cultures adore pearls. 6,7. Pearls are used to produce exquisite jewelry pieces such as broaches, rings, pins and necklaces.
2. The fresh water mussel yields a soft-pink colored pearl that varies in shape and size.
3. Fresh water pearls are ideal for decorative jewelry pieces.
4. According to popular belief, a live pearl bearing mussel in the home is an omen for luck and prosperity.
5. An abundance of fresh water fish ponds throughout Taiwan provide ideal habitats for raising fresh water mussels.
1. Using recording equipment, experts check the changing sea temperature.
2. The Kungnien Company located on P'enghu island operates the only salt water pearl farm on Taiwan.
3. Divers at work bringing up the mussel net-cages.
4. An example of the lovely pearls produced by the salt water mussels.
5. Many farmers utilize fish ponds to raise both commercial fish and fresh water pearl mussels.
1. Potential pearl mussels are treated by experts.
2. The process of producing a pearl: inserting a small pearl into the reproductive canal of the salt water mussel.
3. The fresh water pearl is often combined with coral to make lovely jewelry.
4. Sea pearls are round and lustrous.
5. Women of all nationalities and cultures adore pearls.
6,7. Pearls are used to produce exquisite jewelry pieces such as broaches, rings, pins and necklaces.
6,7. Pearls are used to produce exquisite jewelry pieces such as broaches, rings, pins and necklaces.
