Higaki Chokin Craft
[Reiwa 2] Certified Traditional Craftsman of Katsushika Ward
Higaki Metal Engraving Craft is a workshop of kazari (decorative) metal artisans with over a century of history, founded by Takuzo Higaki in Kita-Senju, Adachi Ward. The second generation, Nobuo Higaki, established the workshop in Katsushika and devoted over 60 years to mastering traditional Japanese metal engraving (wabori) and creating ornamental pieces.
The third generation, Takahiro Higaki, began apprenticing under his father upon entering university, later honing his skills at a jewelry company before becoming independent. He has since developed handwoven jewelry, a unique approach that blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, earning widespread acclaim.
Both the second and third generations have been recognized by Katsushika Ward as Certified Traditional Craftsmen (Metal Engraving). Takahiro Higaki’s handwoven jewelry was designated a Katsushika Brand in 2015 and recognized by Tokyo Teshigoto (Promotion of Traditional Handcrafts) in 2019 and 2021.
Today, the workshop primarily showcases its work at department store events, where Takahiro Higaki demonstrates the art of metal engraving firsthand, sharing the beauty and craftsmanship of this enduring tradition.
Higaki Metal Engraving Craft, based in Katsushika Ward, is dedicated to creating works that carefully blend traditional Japanese metal engraving techniques inherited from the Edo period with a modern sensibility.
Every strike of the chisel is carefully considered—taking into account the hardness and thickness of the metal as well as the way light reflects off the surface—producing depth and character that mass production can never achieve.
While designs are rooted in traditional patterns, they are thoughtfully adapted to fit seamlessly into contemporary life. Excessive ornamentation is avoided in favor of emphasizing the beauty of lines and the harmony of negative space.
No compromises are made in tool maintenance or material selection, reflecting a firm belief that the true value of handcrafted art lies in pieces that are used for years, growing richer and more meaningful with time. Each creation is made with care, precision, and integrity.
Chokin is a traditional Japanese metalworking craft that uses metals such as gold, silver, and copper as its primary material. Through techniques such as engraving and hammering, artisans create shapes and intricate patterns.
Its origins date back to the late Kofun period, when decorative elements began to be applied to personal ornaments and ritual objects. During the Edo period, particularly the Genroku era, the flourishing town culture fostered innovative ideas and refined designs, leading to the use of chokin in a wide variety of everyday items, including hairpins, rings, netsuke, figurines, and religious implements.
The appeal of chokin lies in its ability to enhance the natural texture and luster of metal, allowing for expressions that are at once delicate and powerful. Key techniques include: engraving patterns with chisels (hori), creating relief by hammering metal from the reverse side (uchidashi), joining multiple components (setsugo), emphasizing different metal colors (irogane), and inlaying metals (zogan).
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted from the raw metal, preserving the sophisticated skills and aesthetic sensibilities passed down through generations. Chokin stands as one of Japan’s foremost metalworking arts, representing the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship.
編み目にはK18YG/PG/WGの３種類の18金を使用し、フレーム部分は左右でイエローゴールドとホワイトゴールドを使い分けたこだわりの逸品です。
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Higaki Chokin Craft
[Reiwa 2] Certified Traditional Craftsman of Katsushika Ward
Higaki Metal Engraving Craft is a workshop of kazari (decorative) metal artisans with over a century of history, founded by Takuzo Higaki in Kita-Senju, Adachi Ward. The second generation, Nobuo Higaki, established the workshop in Katsushika and devoted over 60 years to mastering traditional Japanese metal engraving (wabori) and creating ornamental pieces.
The third generation, Takahiro Higaki, began apprenticing under his father upon entering university, later honing his skills at a jewelry company before becoming independent. He has since developed handwoven jewelry, a unique approach that blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, earning widespread acclaim.
Both the second and third generations have been recognized by Katsushika Ward as Certified Traditional Craftsmen (Metal Engraving). Takahiro Higaki’s handwoven jewelry was designated a Katsushika Brand in 2015 and recognized by Tokyo Teshigoto (Promotion of Traditional Handcrafts) in 2019 and 2021.
Today, the workshop primarily showcases its work at department store events, where Takahiro Higaki demonstrates the art of metal engraving firsthand, sharing the beauty and craftsmanship of this enduring tradition.
Higaki Metal Engraving Craft, based in Katsushika Ward, is dedicated to creating works that carefully blend traditional Japanese metal engraving techniques inherited from the Edo period with a modern sensibility.
Every strike of the chisel is carefully considered—taking into account the hardness and thickness of the metal as well as the way light reflects off the surface—producing depth and character that mass production can never achieve.
While designs are rooted in traditional patterns, they are thoughtfully adapted to fit seamlessly into contemporary life. Excessive ornamentation is avoided in favor of emphasizing the beauty of lines and the harmony of negative space.
No compromises are made in tool maintenance or material selection, reflecting a firm belief that the true value of handcrafted art lies in pieces that are used for years, growing richer and more meaningful with time. Each creation is made with care, precision, and integrity.
Chokin is a traditional Japanese metalworking craft that uses metals such as gold, silver, and copper as its primary material. Through techniques such as engraving and hammering, artisans create shapes and intricate patterns.
Its origins date back to the late Kofun period, when decorative elements began to be applied to personal ornaments and ritual objects. During the Edo period, particularly the Genroku era, the flourishing town culture fostered innovative ideas and refined designs, leading to the use of chokin in a wide variety of everyday items, including hairpins, rings, netsuke, figurines, and religious implements.
The appeal of chokin lies in its ability to enhance the natural texture and luster of metal, allowing for expressions that are at once delicate and powerful. Key techniques include: engraving patterns with chisels (hori), creating relief by hammering metal from the reverse side (uchidashi), joining multiple components (setsugo), emphasizing different metal colors (irogane), and inlaying metals (zogan).
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted from the raw metal, preserving the sophisticated skills and aesthetic sensibilities passed down through generations. Chokin stands as one of Japan’s foremost metalworking arts, representing the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship.
