A Rule-Breaking Artisan Embracing New Technologies

Could you share the story behind Jewelry Sashou's origins?

Jewelry Sashou was founded in 1912, the first year of the Taisho era. It was a workshop that inherited the metalworking techniques designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Koto City.

The art of metalworking flourished in the early Edo period when samurai began to adorn their sword scabbards with intricate goldwork for good luck. It consists of three techniques: *chukin* (casting), where molten metal is poured into a mold; *tankin* (forging), where metal is hammered with a metal or wooden mallet; and *chokin* (engraving), where a chisel-like tool called a *tagane* is used to shape or carve patterns. Among these, *chokin* is designated as a traditional craft by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Originally, we were a lumber wholesaler, but my great-grandfather, a savvy merchant, was a heavy drinker and passed away early. My grandfather, who was not in good health, closed the lumber business and became an apprentice in metalworking to acquire a skill. That's how the workshop began. This neighborhood was the town of the Tatsumi geisha, known for their chic and dashing commoner's artistry, embodying the spirit of Edo. My grandfather was also a highly artistic person, so he created decorative items like *kanzashi* (hairpins) and *obidome* (sash clips) for the geishas.

As the third-generation artisan, we hear you chose to pursue wax modeling instead of traditional metalworking. What led to that decision?

Wax modeling is a newer technique from the United States where you carve a prototype out of wax and then replace it with metal through casting (*chuzo*). I was captivated by the dynamic forms possible with wax modeling and studied under a leading expert in the field.

Around that time, Japan was experiencing an unprecedented silver boom. Brands were competing to release silver accessories, and it was trendy to walk around in bell-bottoms wearing Chrome Hearts. After training for about a year, I honed my skills working as a prototype creator for accessories and on projects like the Ashura statue and accessories for MIKIMOTO. I took over the family business after I turned 30.