Silver / Kachi-mushi Netsuke

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

Dragonfly amulet made of silver.
Dragonflies are also known as "win-win" insects, and their habit of moving forward without retreating has brought good luck in Japan, where they have long been used in armor and kimono patterns. This product is also a symbol of "courage," which is the act of raising one's head and moving forward without retreating. This item is ideal not only as a good luck charm for yourself, but also as a gift to pray for success in entrance examinations or job hunting.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：300 years ago / 1700AD / Edo period in Japan

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Japan was once one of the world's two largest silver mines, and Japan was one of the world's largest silver producers. Around the 17th century, craftsmen called silversmiths were highly valued by feudal lords, and they were also active in making not only silverware but also portable shrines for festivals and hairpins for women, and the general public patronized a wide variety of items.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Souhaku Kamikawa / Nisshin Kikinzoku
A family of traditional craftsmen has been making Tokyo silverware in Tokyo for 12 generations since the late Edo period (1800s). He aspired to become a craftsman after experiencing the gentle rhythm of hammering and numerous gestures on his grandfather's knee for as long as he can remember. He has been making products that are popular among men and women of all ages by thoroughly creating products that become beautiful when used.

Craftsman Passion

"We are conscious of the simple beauty of handcrafted forms, and we pay high attention on the user's comfort while crafting our products"
We deliver the warmth that can be felt only by handmade silverware. In a word, "striking silver" is an act, but every stroke is made in pursuit of the user's comfort. We swear that our silverware, which combines practicality and beauty, is the world-class.

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：3.5cm
Depth：3cm
Thickness：0.4cm
Weight：4g

Material & Caution

Materials

Sterling 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 1~2 months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.