银 / kachi-mushi netsuke

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.

Width：3.5cmDepth：3cmThickness：0.4cmWeight：4g

Sterling silver

NISSHIN KIKINZOKU

"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.

ARTISAN STORY

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.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Selected for the 3rd All Japan Gold and Silver Creation Exhibition
・Received the Tokyo Governor's Award for Successors to the Traditional Craft Industries
・He has received more awards for their work.

TOKYO GINKI / TOKYO SILVERWARE

About 300 years ago / 1700s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Silversmithing in Edo grew through demand from samurai households, wealthy townspeople and religious institutions for sake vessels, smoking accessories, ornaments and ritual objects. After the Meiji Restoration, Western tableware entered the market and Tokyo smiths increasingly produced both Japanese and Western forms.

In Japan, Tokyo silverware is valued as metalware that develops through use—teapots, sake vessels and cutlery change color as silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air. Polishing away tarnish becomes part of the long relationship between owner and object.

In hammer raising, a flat sheet of silver is struck thousands of times and periodically annealed to soften the metal after work-hardening. The process alternates force and rest: hammer, heat, hammer again. The finished vessel is literally shaped by a history of countless impacts.

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.