Shimakurado Hand-Raised Copper Vase, Kamedare Finish, Large (Tsubame)

A broad, rounded flower vase raised from a single sheet of pure copper by the Shimakurado workshop in Tsubame, Niigata, finished in the mottled kamedare surface.

Tsuiki is the Tsubame-Sanjo technique of shaping copper sheet with hammers alone, annealing the metal again and again as it is worked into a vessel. Copper is naturally antibacterial, which is said to keep vase water fresh and flowers lasting longer, and the surface deepens in lustre with handling and age. As each piece is hand-hammered, slight variations from one vase to the next are to be expected, which is part of the appeal of the craft.

Details

• Maker: Shimakurado (島倉堂), Tsubame, Niigata
• Material: pure copper, hand-raised (tsuiki)
• Finish: kamedare
• Size: body diameter approx. 20.5 cm, height approx. 20.5 cm
• Packaging: maker's paper box
• Condition: new

Watch: how Tsubame tsuiki copper is hammered

A TEWAZA craft film showing Tsubame hand-hammered (tsuiki) copperware being raised from a single sheet, from Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.