Silver Bangle / Ichimatsu / Heart Sutra

This bangle is made of Sterling Silver.
The inside has 262 characters of the Hannya Sutra, and the outside has a checkered pattern hand-hammered by a craftsman.

Meaning of Hannya Sutra (Inside)
The Hannya Sutra is "An important teaching for attaining enlightenment through the ability to see the truth and essence”. It is a short sutra, but it summarizes the idea of "emptiness", which refers to "no substance" and the realization that "nothing in this world is everlasting".
Things are constantly changing, but their core essence remains the same. The "emptiness" in the Hannya Sutra conveys the importance of not being caught up in change and realizing the essence.

Meaning of Ichimatu pattern (Outside)
The ichimatsu pattern has the meaning of prosperity because the pattern continues without interruption. Because of its meaning of "prosperity," the checkered pattern is favored by many people as a pattern of good omen, such as prosperity of descendants and expansion of business.

Why don't you spend your daily life with this masterpiece made only by craftsmen's hands?
There will be a slight change due to the aging, so the more you use, the more you love this product!

Around the wrist
18cm～20cm

Width：7.0cm
Depth：5.5cm
Height：1.1cm
Weight：40g

Sterling Silver

IZUMIKEN

"Throughout a conversation with silver, guide it to the shape it wants to be"

Silver can take on any form, and we place the utmost importance on how natural it can be. We are committed to creating products that are pleasant to use for both the silver and the customer.

ARTISAN STORY

Kenichiro Izumi / Izumiken
A craftsman who has been making Tokyo silverware in Tokyo since 1979. After graduating from an art school, he travelled around Japan for a year. He sometimes delivered newspapers to earn money. During the time, he was thinking about his future and ended up with making silverware. The company is known for making not only silverware, but also rings, buckles and other products that are in tune with the modern age. Careful and detailed handwork fascinates those who seethe making process.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Received the World Gold Council Award at the All Japan Gold and Silver Creation Exhibition.
・Received the President's Award of the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.
・Designated as a traditional craftsman.
・They have received many other awards for their work.

TOKYO GINKI / TOKYO SILVERWARE

About 300 years ago / 1700s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Silversmithing in Edo grew through demand from samurai households, wealthy townspeople and religious institutions for sake vessels, smoking accessories, ornaments and ritual objects. After the Meiji Restoration, Western tableware entered the market and Tokyo smiths increasingly produced both Japanese and Western forms.

In Japan, Tokyo silverware is valued as metalware that develops through use—teapots, sake vessels and cutlery change color as silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air. Polishing away tarnish becomes part of the long relationship between owner and object.

In hammer raising, a flat sheet of silver is struck thousands of times and periodically annealed to soften the metal after work-hardening. The process alternates force and rest: hammer, heat, hammer again. The finished vessel is literally shaped by a history of countless impacts.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.