Translation guide
The iridescent inner layer of certain mollusk shells, used in decorative arts and jewelry. In Japanese, the material itself is most commonly referred to as 真珠層 or 螺鈿 when used in inlay work.
Referring to the iridescent substance as a material, without specifying its use in craft.
The standard scientific and general term for nacre, the substance that makes up mother-of-pearl.
The inside of this shell is made of mother-of-pearl.
Specifically refers to mother-of-pearl when used as inlay in lacquerware or woodwork. Often implies the craft technique itself.
The box is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay.
Literally 'blue shell', a traditional term for mother-of-pearl, especially from abalone, used in crafts. Less common in modern general contexts.
I bought an obi clip with mother-of-pearl work.
Describing an object made of or adorned with mother-of-pearl.
Using 真珠層 as a modifier with の to describe something made of the material.
A shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons.
Refers to mother-of-pearl inlay work as a craft or the resulting object.
Specifically refers to the white-lipped pearl oyster shell, often used as a high-quality mother-of-pearl material in jewelry.
Describing the characteristic shimmering, rainbow-like appearance of mother-of-pearl.
真珠層 is the biological material (nacre), while 螺鈿 refers to the decorative technique or the crafted inlay pieces. Use 真珠層 for scientific or general material contexts, and 螺鈿 when talking about traditional crafts.
Mother-of-pearl is the layer inside the shell.
This mother-of-pearl inlay technique was introduced from China.
Do not translate 'mother-of-pearl' literally as 真珠の母. That would be meaningless in Japanese. Always use the established terms above.
A beautiful small box with mother-of-pearl inlay.
This pendant is made of white mother-of-pearl.
The inside of the shell gives off a rainbow-like shine.