Motoyuki
The Story
One of the most prominent copperware manufacturers in the renowned Tsubame-Sanjo area, Motoyuki’s company places a strong emphasis on the philosophy of craftsmanship. They have began to attract great international interest due to their efforts in striking a balance of traditional techniques and modern design.
In the 1600s, with the capital city Edo constantly facing the need to rebuild after frequent fires and natural disasters, the demand for nails steadily increased, and Tsubame-Sanjo gradually developed as the foremost nail producing region in Japan. By 1700, with the discovery of copper in the nearby mountains, copper ornaments would become as common a specialty as iron nails. The family had specialized in this sort of work three generations before embarking upon this transition in 1816.
They first began by manufacturing daily items such as pans, pots and kettles, but eventually began to emphasize more artistic decorative elements. This once local craft went on to make a name for itself not just within Japan but also overseas, with products displayed when Japan participated in the World Exposition for the first time in 1873. The current 7th generation head Motoyuki has collaborated with the 6th generation of Krug to create a Champagne bottle cooler which is used at high-end bars and restaurants in France and Japan.
The artisans believe it is important to develop and pass their skills and techniques to the younger generation. “We hammer today because of those who have come before us, and the life we create is shaped by the knowledge passed down through the generations. But that life is left incomplete without nurturing hands to guide it into the future.”
The Craft
Tsuiki is a two hundred year-old metal work technique that is derived from the words for “hammer” and “raise.” The pounding of flat copper sheets into three dimensional goods such as kettles and teapots has gradually been elevated to a fine art.
The creation of vessels via this metalwork technique requires an array of different tools. The artisans have an image of the finished craft in their mind and each strike of the artisan’s hammer imbues the cold metal with life. The piece that is created is made to be the same, but remains unique in its own way. Eventually it will find a home far from where it was made, but continue to grow more unique by the touch of the hands that use it.
The attractive open factory is open to the public, and offers free tours. Demonstrations and private talk sessions with Motoyuki can also be arranged. Ordering custom-made products is possible, but require a few months to be completed.
Motoyuki also participates in the annual Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival, where about 100 factories are open to the public to attract young people to watch the work of craftsmen in this region well-known for tools, knives, cutlery, and cookware.
Selected works
