Lapel Pin / Nishikigoi

The "Living Jewel" of Japan—Taisho Sanke Nishikigoi

Discover your favorite aquatic icon from our charming Fish & Marine Series—specially crafted for enthusiasts and lovers of unique design.

Delightfully realistic yet undeniably cute, these hand-finished pins are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. In today’s business casual world, lapel pins have become a go-to accessory for adding personality to jackets, bags, and hats—offering more freedom than a necktie and easier style than a pocket square.

Known around the world as "living jewels," Nishikigoi symbolize luck, perseverance, and prosperity. Featuring the elegant red, white, and black patterns of the classic Taisho Sanke variety, this eye-catching pin makes a refined, meaningful gift for collectors, fish lovers, or yourself.

Length：2.8 cm
Width：1.5 cm
Weight：23 g

Copper

NOYORI

"Ornamental metal fittings demanding traditionally cultivated beauty and high levels of skill"

The ornamental metal fittings used in Buddhist and Shinto altar implements and festival implements are called “kazari-kanagu.” The nuance communicated by the special Chinese character used to write this Japanese word is “more ornate and magnificent,” and as befits this weighty word, we diligently apply ourselves with pride and positive self-regard, day in and day out.

ARTISAN STORY

Katsuhiko Noyori / NOYORI
This company began in 1970, when the founder, Minoru Noyori, established the Noyori Shin-Butsugu Kazari-kanagu Shop on his own in Tachibana-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, a location that is center for the production of Owari Buddhist altar implements. The company hand-fashions ornamental metal fittings for shrines, temples, Buddhist altar implements, festival implements, and other such applications. In 1988, the second proprietor, Katsuhiko Noyori, took over operation and renamed the business “Noyori Co., Ltd.” He is a traditional craftsman who carries on the skills and techniques of Owari Buddhist altar implements, a traditional handicraft that has been continued since Japan’s feudal Edo period (approximately the year 1600).

NAGOYA BUTSUDAN / NAGOYA BUDDHIST ALTARS

About 400 years ago / 1600s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Nagoya Buddhist altars developed in the Edo period within the Owari Tokugawa castle town and a region where Jodo Shinshu faith was widespread. Strong wooden construction suited the humid Nobi plain, while gold leaf, lacquer, carving and decorative metal created the elaborate gilded style.

In Japan, the altar is both a family prayer space and a synthesis of local woodworking, lacquer and metal craft. Contemporary versions have become smaller for modern homes while selectively retaining traditional gold and carving.

Inside is often a miniature architectural sanctuary called a kuguden, with pillars and roofs assembled like a real temple. Some historical Nagoya designs also considered how an altar might be lifted during floods, showing how regional disaster experience could shape even an object of great religious splendor.

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.