CRAFT & CAPABILITY

Every detail, from shell to surface.

Traditional luodian skills and modern processing work together. We develop each project around its substrate, design and approved sample.

  1. STEP 01

    Shell selection

    Shell is selected by color, iridescence, thickness and purpose from about 30 materials including pearl oyster, abalone and turban shell.

    We keep about 30 shell materials on hand, including pearl oyster, abalone and turban shell.

    Abalone shell with shell sheet for material selection

  2. STEP 02

    Slicing & sheet processing

    Shells are processed into thin sheets for inlay and veneering — cutting, flattening, water grinding and slicing — on our own patented equipment.

    Sheets can be worked down to ~0.08 mm thickness and ~0.4 mm width.

    White mother-of-pearl sheets

  3. STEP 03

    CNC engraving & laser cutting

    Patterns are precisely cut with our patented CNC engraving and laser equipment, supported by dust-collection devices.

    Our equipment is covered by multiple utility-model patents.

    Close-up of shell cutting

  4. STEP 04

    Shell inlay & luodian technique

    Following the design, shell pieces are laid out and inlaid onto wood, metal, plastic, textile and curved substrates — flat, curved, spherical, cylindrical and textile surfaces alike.

    We achieve stable inlay on cylinders under 3 cm in diameter.

    Inlaying a flower motif on a small bowl

  5. STEP 05

    Surface finishing & polishing

    Depending on the piece and substrate, surfaces are lacquer-filled, ground and polished; sealing and coating methods are defined per project and approved samples.

    Finishing differs by product; approved samples govern.

    Polished luodian box with peacock and flower motif

  6. STEP 06

    Design consulting

    A dedicated design team advises on shell inlay design and applications for your project, merging your ideas with our craft experience.

    Our design team works with you from concept to delivery.

    Bookmark and sticker design examples

  7. STEP 07

    Pattern customization

    Colors, sizes, thicknesses and shell patterns can be customized; digitizing traditional motifs and original design work are ongoing directions noted in public coverage.

    Original works are individually registered — 30 registered copyrights.

    Pre-cut inlay pattern pieces

  8. STEP 08

    Inlay service for your cue

    Send us your cue and we complete the full process — shell inlay, painting and polishing — before returning a fully inlaid, finely polished cue.

    Pattern fit, lead time and cost are confirmed per project.

    DBG-004 Dragon cue inlay pattern

  9. STEP 09

    Installation & application guidance

    From concept to installation we provide consulting, detailed installation guides and project-specific plans so materials are applied correctly and efficiently.

    Detailed installation guides and project-specific plans.

    Shell inlay application photo

  10. STEP 10

    Ongoing project support

    After completion we continue to support your project so pieces stay beautiful and durable; care advice is tailored to material and environment.

    Care advice tailored to material and environment.

IN THE WORKSHOP

See the craft in motion

Explore shell materials, inlay techniques and finished pieces from our workshop.

Shell paper & shell sheets

Customizable shell stickers

Cue shell inlay

LET’S MAKE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY

Bring your next idea
to the surface.

Share your material, design or application. We’ll help you explore the possibilities.

Discuss a project