彫金の伝統技法講座

Learn traditional metal engraving techniques.

Japanese metal engraving techniques have been refined over many years.
We want to ensure that this "authentic" product is passed on to future generations.

Leading metal engravers, including Living National Treasure, Master Morihito Katsura, will teach you the beautiful techniques of Japanese craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

Here lies a tradition we want to preserve for the future.
We are looking for you, the next person to take on this role.
We welcome you.

What KOUGINZA aims for

There are requests that only skills refined over many years can answer—
from custom orders for rings and bangles, size adjustments, and consultations on unique designs,
to the restoration of objects and highly specialized metalwork.

Passing on traditional techniques to the future

We are now taking the traditional Japanese metalworking techniques that have been passed down through generations and giving them a tangible form to pass on to the next generation.
What we value in the classroom is not just teaching techniques,
It's about passing on the craftsman's "eye" and "attitude" that they've cherished.
We will work together with you to create the values that should be preserved for the future.

Authentic instruction from active craftsmen.

The instructors here are artists and craftspeople who are currently creating works on the front lines.
The characteristics of the materials, the feel in your hands, the rhythm of the work.
You can learn the "real-world aspects" of techniques that you can't learn from books, directly from your own hands.
Years of refined skills and experience will provide strong support for your creative work.

A small group setting where you can focus on each other in detail.

To be able to carefully observe the students' hand movements,
We are committed to keeping class sizes small.
We address any concerns on the spot and stay by your side until you fully understand.
Because you can steadily deepen your skills at your own pace, even beginners can confidently build up their techniques.

Instructor Introduction

Utilizing his experience as a craftsman and artist

We provide thorough support from the very beginning, even for those new to metal engraving.

Morihito Katsura

彫金家。日本伝統工芸会正会員。
重要無形文化財 [彫金] 保持。(人間国宝)

父・盛行のもとで研鑽を積んだ桂盛仁は、
打ち出し・彫金・象嵌・色絵といった金工の主要技法を自在に操り、
日本伝統工芸展をはじめ数々の場で高い評価を受けてきました。
宮内庁買い上げ、文化庁長官賞などの
栄誉を重ね、2008年には重要無形文化財「彫金」保持者（人間国宝）に認定。
その技と精神は、柳川派に連なる確かな系譜として今も息づいています。

明治期の工芸が”超絶技巧”として語られる今日、
それらが失われた遺産ではなく、
脈々と受け継がれ、磨かれ続けてきた技術であることを示す存在──
それが桂盛仁の金工です。

毎月第一、第二、第四火曜日

11:00-16:00に開講しております。
(現在は見学のみ承っております。)

Naoko Ai

Arakawa Ward Intangible Cultural Property Holder.
Full member of the Japan Traditional Crafts Association, and head of Koginza.
In Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, he studied metal engraving under Kitamitsu.
He later became a disciple of Katsura Morihito, a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property designation.

I learned carving and inlay from Kitamitsu.
I learned embossing techniques, gold leaf application techniques, and boiled coloring from Katsura Morihito.
Traditional metal engraving techniques that are disappearing,
In addition to recreating Edo-style chains, we are also focusing on training successors.

In the classroom, we start with the basics, beginning with chisel making, using traditional methods.
For submissions to the Traditional Crafts Exhibition, we emphasize individuality in our guidance.

The pen name "Ai" refers to:
An archaic word for the spring breeze blowing across Toyama Bay.

Every third Tuesday

The class is held from 11:00 to 15:00.
(¥10,000 per course)

What KOUGINZA aims for

Instructor Introduction

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