“Chigai Atelier” deepens and passes on the technique of Mokunegane (Wood Grained Metal

Mokumegane is a technique in which metals of different colors (silver, copper, shakudo) are alternately layered and heat-pressed, then stretched by hitting with a hammer, etc., and then carved or shaved to create a heathered pattern.
The created pattern is then hammered to flatten it, processed into the shape of each piece, and finished with a boiled color to give it a vivid color.
This technique, which involves handling metals with different melting points, is highly difficult and requires training.

In Akita, gold, silver, and copper are abundantly produced from mines such as Ani and Innai, and weapons and various ornaments have been made since ancient times. At the beginning of the Edo period, metal craft techniques were mainly uchide and inlay (techniques of engraving patterns and inlaying them with gold or silver), but Mr. Shoami Denbei, a tsuba maker in charge of the Akita clan, developed the technique of making heathered copper. This technique was created and applied to the Tsuba, Kozuka, and Fuchigashira of swords.
After that, this technique disappeared once, but was revived in the Meiji period, and arts and crafts, flower vases, and accessories are now being produced.

Mr. Hiroshi Chigai of Chigai Atelier started out processing stainless steel, and has mastered the techniques of heathered copper so that Akita's tradition of heathered copper will not die out. ), incense burners, etc.).

Below is a brief history.

1964: Received Science and Technology Agency Director General Award (Creativity)
1969: Started metal forging
2006: Awarded outstanding technicians (Modern Master Craftsman)
2008: Received the Medal with Yellow Ribbon
2023: Received the Akita Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property Holder certification

Also selected for numerous art exhibitions and traditional craft exhibitions.

Recently, sake cups and accessories made with the idea of ​​making heathered copper more familiar have become popular among foreigners as well.

We also hold classes to pass on this technique.
He has received inquiries from overseas as well, and is working hard to pass on his techniques not only in Japan but around the world.

I visited the workshop in July 2023.
The jigs were also self-made, and various tools were lined up.
When I asked him about the process and works of making Mokume copper, he provided various samples and explained them in detail.
Mr. Chigai is enthusiastic and says he will continue to create.
When you think of a ``modern master craftsman,'' you might think of him as being unapproachable, but he was very friendly and spoke to me.

Hit the pattern over and over again


accessory parts

We also hold ring making workshops. Please contact him for details.

Shape with homemade jig


Modern master craftsman Hiroshi Chigai