VILLAGE Report vol.15 Niigata Prefecture | Tsubame Tsuiki Copperware, Vessels Hammered from a Single Copper Sheet

Having finished the Kanto series, we now begin the Chubu series. Our first stop is Niigata Prefecture. In Tsubame, known as a town of metalworking, we introduce Tsubame Tsuiki Copperware, a craft that has continued for more than 200 years.

“Raising” with a Hammer

Tsuiki literally means raising by hammering. A single seamless sheet of copper is placed on a stake and struck in fine detail with a hammer, gradually shrinking and raising it into the shape of a vessel. Because copper hardens the more it is hammered, it is heated partway through to soften it again, then hammered once more. Through this repeated process, teapots, kettles, flower vessels, and other pieces are created.

From Edo-Period Japanese Nails to Copperware

Tsubame has been an active center of Japanese nail making since the Edo period. With copper also mined nearby, the Tsuiki technique is said to have been introduced by craftsmen from Sendai in the late 18th century. In 1816, a long-established maker that still continues today was founded. In 1981, Tsubame Tsuiki Copperware was designated a national Traditional Craft Product.

Key Points
・A single seamless sheet of copper is hammered and raised into shape
・Copper hardened by hammering is softened again with heat, then hammered once more
・The technique is said to have been introduced in the late 18th century to Tsubame, a place with a foundation in Japanese nail making
・Designated a national Traditional Craft Product in 1981

The More You Use It, the Deeper the Color Becomes

The surface of Tsuiki copperware retains the hammer marks known as tsuchime. In the finishing process, the surface may be sulfurized or tin may be baked on to create various tones, such as copper color or purplish gold. Watching the color and luster settle with everyday use is one of the pleasures unique to copperware. In 2010, a craftsman using Tsuiki copperware techniques was certified as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property “Tankin” metal hammering, also known as a Living National Treasure.

Last time, we explored Hakone Yosegi Zaiku in Kanagawa Prefecture. VILLAGE Report vol.14 Kanagawa Prefecture is here. For highlights of Niigata Prefecture, see the Niigata Prefecture edition of our 47 Prefectures Guide. Next time, we visit Toyama Prefecture.

References: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry “Traditional Craft Products” designated items list; Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries; Tsubame City

—The Value Village Editorial Team