Silver Bangle / Sterling Silver / Jardin (Garden)

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This silver bangle was created with expert skill by craftsmen at a metalwork carving studio with a history of more than 200 years. Jardin means garden in French, and the design was inspired by the traditional Japanese garden style of karesansui, or dry landscape garden. Karesansui is a garden style that expresses magnificent natural scenery of mountains and seas by using stones, sand, plants, and trees without using any water. This bangle inherits its spirit. The craftsman's skill and originality resonate with the beauty of silver, creating a unique landscape. Its uniqueness and beauty make it a luxurious accessory for special occasions.

 Product History

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

The history of metal crafts in Kyoto is said to date back as far as the creation of Buddhist statues in the Heian period (794-1185). Also, the techniques are divided into six categories: casting, forging, engraving, Kazari-gane, inlaying, and cloisonne.

The history of metal products themselves dates back to the early Yayoi period. In the Nara period (710-794), as Buddhism flourished, temples and Buddhist statues were built one after another. Metalworking techniques developed accordingly. In the Heian period (794-1185), goldsmiths moved from Nara to Kyoto, and many metal products were made in Kyoto.

During the Muromachi period (1333-1573), vases, incense burners, and colored candlesticks were introduced from China and influenced Japanese metal crafts. During the Momoyama period (1573-1600), several foundry families gathered in Kamanza, Kyoto, and made pots, kettles, and other everyday items, as well as mirrors.

Other decorative arts such as weapons, armor, and swords were also remarkably developed, and these techniques were handed down to the Edo period (1603-1868). Many metal crafts of high artistic value from ancient times remain today.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Chikueido / Yoshinaga Nakamura
Chikueido has been engaged in metal crafts in Kyoto since the late Edo period (about 200 years ago), and now Yoshinaga Nakamura, the seventh generation, is carrying on the tradition. He produces a wide range of products, including tea ceremony utensils, Buddhist ritual utensils, and incense implements, using mainly gold, silver, copper, and other metal materials, as well as restoring and repairing them. We also produce a variety of metal crafts, including accessories for young people, using the metal crafting skills we have cultivated for over 200 years."

Craftsman Passion

"You show yourself in metal."
In metalworking, a work of art can remain for thousands of years. When you strike it again, it leaves hammer marks, and when you polish it, it shines. It is truly fascinating to see everything you have done appear and be passed on to the future.

 

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：2.5cm
Wrist circumference : 15cm
Weight：16g

Material & Caution

Materials

Silver

 

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.