Kyoto Damascening / Pendant / Building Block

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This is a rare item in the studio, with inlaying on both sides. “Appreciating all things and searching for one's own existence...” This is a calming design inspired by the world of Zen.

The surface of the iron fabric is uneven. We call this "Nashiji-style pattern" because the fine grainy pattern looks like the skin of a pear, and it is their original technique. This unevenness can also be applied to create various patterns.
“Ishime”, one of the techniques of carving, is also applied to gold and silver to create a three-dimensional effect. The flat surface of the iron fabric and Nashiji-style pattern, with or without engraving applied to gold and silver. Also, the shimmering craftsmanship as well as an elegance of Damascening are enhanced by the reflection of light.

Was originally used for armor ?
Originally, Damascening was used to decorate swords and other armaments, but this technique declined with the abolition of the Sword Law in 1876. Then, Damascening began to be used for decorative accessories. The elegant colors of gold and silver with the calm and elegant luster of Damascening were highly praised as the 'king of metal crafts', which have been used to this day.

Product History

When did these crafts start to craft? :1400 years ago / 600AD / Asuka period in Japan

Damascening was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period (710-794), and the oldest existing inlaid product in Japan is a seven-sided sword, a sacred treasure at Ishigami Shrine (Tenri City, Nara Prefecture). The oldest inlaid object produced in Japan is an iron sword excavated from the Inariyama burial mound (Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture) (estimated to be dated 471).
Zogan spread from Kyoto to the rest of Japan. There are various Zogan techniques, including "flat Zogan," a technique in which the surface of the iron is dug out and inlaid at the same height as the gold and silver. Also, "high Zogan," a technique in which the gold and silver are raised above the surface.
Nunome Zogan" is a technique widely applied to weapons and armors after the introduction of guns. In this technique, gold and silver are hammered into valleys on the surface of the iron with fine cuts in multiple directions. It is called "Kyo Zogan" because it flourished in Kyoto.
It declined with the abolition of the sword law in 1876, but under the guidance of the government, it began to be used for decorative accessories. The elegant colors of gold and silver with the calm and elegant luster of Damascening were highly praised as the 'king of metal crafts', which have been used to this day.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Kyo Zogan Ono / Yoshihiko Ono
Ono inlays and produces accessories and tea ceremony utensils such as iron kettles.
Ono's unique technique, "Nashiji-style pattern," which expresses the texture of unevenness on the inlaid base material, is a distinctive feature of his work.
Please take a look at the accessories and feel the charm of Zogan close at hand.

Craftsman Passion

"We want to give back to society by preserving as much goodness as possible for future generations."
Our affluent society is the result of the efforts of our predecessors. It will not be a smooth road to realize our ideals, but we are committed to be such a workshop every day.

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：0.3cm
Height：3cm
weight：2g

Material & Caution

Materials

Iron
Gold
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.

Delivery Date

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