Wagenaigo

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This seal is handmade by a skilled craftsman.
Wagenaigo means to treat people with a gentle smile and thoughtful speech.

The Kyoto seal is characterized by its elaborate workmanship and high level of artistry. Kyoto seal craftsmen carefully carve each seal one by one while following traditional techniques. Therefore, each Kyoto seal is a unique work of art.

The Kyoto Seal is also characterized by its high durability. It is made using high-quality stone, so it will maintain its beauty even after hundreds of years. For this reason, Kyoto seals are often cherished as family heirlooms that are passed down from generation to generation.

【Click here to order a custom-made seal that can be personalized with your favorite characters.】

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1200 years ago / 800AD / Heian period in Japan

The history of the Kyoto seal is old and can be traced back to the Heian period. During the Heian period, the use of seals became popular among the imperial court and aristocrats, and many seal makers gathered in the capital, Kyoto. The seals made by them became known both domestically and internationally for their elaborate workmanship and high level of artistry.

After the Kamakura period, the use of seals spread to samurai and common people. Then, in the Edo period, Kyoto seals began to be distributed all over the country, and their popularity increased even further. Even today, the Kyoto seal is loved by many people as the highest quality seal.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Yoshihiko Kawai / Shoko Kawai / Kawamasa Inbo
Yoshihiko Kawai is the third generation owner of Kawamasa Inbo, a stamp shop in Kyoto with a history of over 70 years.
The couple creates reliable, high-quality seals using a variety of carefully selected materials such as wood and bamboo.
We hope that everyone will be able to find a "one-of-a-kind stamp in the world.

Craftsman Passion

"Creating the Kyoto Seal 1000 years ahead"
Kyoto seals are loved by many people because of their history and tradition, as well as their elaborate craftsmanship and high artistry.
As the pinnacle of seals, we continue to produce Kyoto seal every day so that it continues to shine in people's lives.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：4.5cm
Depth：4.5cm
Height：6cm
Weight：100g

Material & Caution

Materials

Wood

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about two months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.