Visit Japan House London to learn about copperware from Takaoka (a city in Toyama Prefecture) and the production of a 16-metre-high Buddha.
Takaoka copperware has a 400-year history, beginning when Maeda Toshinaga the second lord of Kaga (a domain in the Hokuriku region) opened a foundry in what is now Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Initially, pots, kettles, agricultural tools and other everyday utensils were cast from iron at the foundry. However, by the mid-Edo period (18th century), demand for items made from copper increased due to the metal’s resistance to corrosion and malleability. As a result, the foundry began to produce Buddhist altar fittings and artistic objects, with the high quality of Takaoka copperware becoming well known throughout Japan. Takaoka copperware is characterized by sophisticated casting and decorative techniques such as polishing, colouring, engraving and inlay. It was designated as one of the first of Japan’s Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Products in 1975.
The display also features an example of the decorative technique igurumi, developed by Living National Treasure Ōzawa Kōmin.