Silver Craftwork (鎚起工芸) is one of the traditional Japanese metal art form which used many aspects of all Japanese items from Samurai armers and helmets to Geisha accesories. As one of the precious metal work, Silver Craftwok has developed in long time ago. All of Samurai and Geizsha metal works are used this traditional process.

Roots of the style and family
Mr. Isao Kojima as Nobushige the second is silver craftman who has succeeded Suetsugu style metal craftwork. Suetsugu style is traditional metal craftwork from Edo period. The former Nobushige has succeeded those excellent and mastered technique form his family and Mr. Kojima is also succeeded. Now, he is the owner of Ginkobo Kojima (銀工房こじま).

The entire family served this silver craftworks. Some of their work has been given up to the emperor. Moreover, their traditional craftworks produce many traditional items such as "Kanzashi" which is hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyle, "Mikoshi" samples, decoration of Samurai helmets, and many miniatures.

Currently, his style of work is stay in the traditional way of making, but apply to the modern design form with other beautiful craftwork such as glass arts. Kanzashi shown in the picture is the collaboration work with Ms. Hayashi (林祐子). All his work is made by hands which makes all his work exist only one in the world.

Precious metal ship is the one of the great master piece with all his mastered technique.

Process
With Fire
- Namashi (なまし) : making sliver soft to bendable
- Rozuke (鑞付け) : welding on candle to make silver in certain shape to begin with.
- Handazuke (ハンダ付け) : soldering

With hammer and pike
- Uchidashi (打ち出し) : pushing from the back face of silver on resinous base
- Tankin (鍛金) : hammering with specific shape
- Katakirityou (かたきり彫) : piking
- Sukashi (すかし) : jig sawing

With Jig Saw
- Kirimawashi (きりまわし) : Cutting with the base figure
- Sukashi (すかし) : jig sawing

Finishing
- Sumitogi (炭研ぎ) : coal grinding
- Bafukake (バフ掛け) : grinding
- Arashi (荒らし) : matting with sand
- Iroage (色あげ) : coloring

Contact

Ginkobo Kojima
Private custom decoration and items are available. Please feel free to bring your plane for your gift.
Open: 9:00 to 18:00 (weekday, no weekend and holiday)
5-15-5 Higashi Jujo
Kita, Tokyo, Japan 114-0001
Tel/Fax: 03.3902.0816
Access: 9 min. by working from JR Higashijujo Station

Official Web site: http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/ha/hc17806/gkk_normal_1.html
Official retailer: http://www.warakutaya.com/