Silver Kyoto Opal cuff links / AKANE

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

These cufflinks were produced with the aim of creating a design that transcends the boundaries of "lacquer" and "Japanese style".
AKANE comes in a powerful red color. When summer is over and autumn is approaching, the streets of Japan are filled with leaves in these colors. You will enjoy the beautifully changing light colors from different viewing angles and by day and night.
Would you like to wear the skill of a skilled lacquer painter?

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1300 years ago / 700AD / Yamato period in Japan

With the arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century, Buddhist altars began to be produced in Japan. As time progressed, investigations by Buddhists to outlaw Christianity led to the installation of butsudan (small shrine) in homes. This increased demand for butsudan led to further expansion of production of kyo-butsudan. Even today, the technology used to make butsudan is still being used to develop meticulous products.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Tsutomu Matsuda / Matsuda Lacquer Studio
He has been engaged in lacquering Buddhist altars and ritual articles for more than 50 years in Kyoto. He sublimates the techniques and experience he has cultivated over the past 50 years into accessories that glamorously adorn the body and soul of people. He produces genuine handmade crafts that stubbornly stick to handcrafting.

Craftsman Passion

"Repainting traditional art into modern art"
With the demand for lacquer decreasing rapidly, we want to convey the beauty of lacquer to a wider variety of people. With this in mind, we have incorporated the traditional techniques we have cultivated over the years into accessories to make lacquer more accessible to people.

Achievement

Designated as a traditional craftsman in 2014
Received award for Master Craftsman of Kyoto
Received award for the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver and Silver Rays
He has received many other awards for their work.

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：2cm
length：1.7cm
Height：2.2cm
Weight：16g

Material & Caution

Materials

Opal
Japanese Lacquer
Sterling silver
Rhodium plating

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 three months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.