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©Nisshin Kikinzoku
©Nisshin Kikinzoku
©Nisshin Kikinzoku
©Nisshin Kikinzoku
©Nisshin Kikinzoku

Yoshitsugu Kamikawa

  • Nisshin Kikinzoku
  • Silversmith
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Master Artisan
Yoshitsugu Kamikawa Silversmith
Contact
Japanese
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+81 9022127294
©Nisshin Kikinzoku

Silverwork to be used and cherished

  • • Yoshitsugu is the 12th generation silversmith at the workshop he runs
  • • Recycled silver has traditionally been used for silverwork in Japan
  • • He considers the smoked-looking patina on silver to be a reflection of care for the object

Yoshitsugu Kamikawa is master silversmith at Nisshin Kikinzoku silversmithing workshop in Taito ward, a historical area in Tokyo for shiroganeshi (silversmiths) who have collectively continued the craft for over 300 years. Yoshitsugu, whose artist name is Sōhaku, is a 12th generation silversmith and the company director. As a spokesman for traditional Japanese crafts and local culture, he hosts workshops at his atelier where one can experience silver crafting. He also collaborates with domestic and worldwide customers to repurpose and customise jewellery and household items. Using traditional inlaying, hammering, forging techniques and gold leafing, Yoshitsugu creates silverware with utility and design sensibility for the modern life, made to be passed on to future generations.

Read the full interview

Works

  • ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
  • ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
  • ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
  • ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
  • ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
Photo: ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
Hammered pure silver cup, Tsuya

Here are a soft brushed pure silver cup with a robust form, accented with a soft gold leafed ginkgo on the surface, and a pure silver cup with gentle ridges, faceted entirely with a hammer. Both items are at once functional and artistic.

Photo: ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
Pure silver vase, Yu

The facets of this stylish, sterling silver vase are adorned with hammer-inlayed figures with colour accents. There is a traditional scenery inspired by early summer in Edo that is composed by combining delicate and bold chiseled lines and patterns in silver gradients.

Photo: ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
Pure silver set, Fuku

Here are a bamboo-shaped sterling silver sake cup and server with the traditional gozameuchi (hammered woven grass mat pattern), applied meticulously to the surface. The cup’s rim is finished very smoothly. The Japanese character for “blessing” is inlaid in pure gold on the inside of the cup, wishing for one’s health and prosperity.

Photo: ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
Pure silver kettle, Kiwami

This sterling silver kettle’s surface is hammered meticulously with a traditional pattern and finished with blue vitriol to achieve an onyx-coloured patina. All parts are made by a forging and joining technique using an iron lump. The kettle weighs approximately 2 kg when filled with water so as to weigh firmly in the hand.

Photo: ©Nisshin Kikinzoku
Pure silver aroma pot, Miyabi

This satin matte-finish, sterling silver aroma pot is characterised by its bulbous elegant form and the soft gold filigree hearts inlaid on four sides. It can hold aroma sticks, be used as a vessel for fragrance, or as a decorative vase that will dignify any space with its graceful presence.

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