Akita silver wire work is designated as an intangible cultural property of Akita City and a traditional craft of Akita Prefecture. Delicate and graceful accessories and figurines are made by twisting thin silver wires together to give off a soft glow.
There are various theories about the origin of Akita silver filigree work, but since gold and silver were produced in the Akita clan, from the early Edo period, metal fittings for sword and armor were made by craftsmen brought from Hitachi by the Satake clan. It is said that the culture of craftsmanship has been passed down.
In particular, silver was abundantly produced, so when a craft instruction center was established in the Meiji era, experts in gold and silver work, metal engraving, design, etc. gathered and silver filigree evolved in its own way and became a new techniques and designs were born.
Akita Ginsen Zaiku is made by twisting 2 to 3 thin pure silver wires of 0.2 to 0.3 mm , flattening them, winding them in spirals with tweezers or fingertips, and inlaying them into a frame made of 0.5 to 1 mm silver wire. After that, an alloy called silver solder is melted with a gas burner and glued together to create a single part. The parts are further combined with silver solder to create a complex patterns.
Yadome Engraving Atelier is was opened in 2019 by three women. These women are Ms. Matsuhashi, the head of the workshop, who worked at a long-established jewelry store for 35 years producing silver filigree using traditional methods, Ms. Kobayashi who gained training at the same jewelry store for 8 years and Ms. Takahashi who returned to her hometown, Akita, after graduating from Nagaoka Institute of Design. These three people from different generations create works that make the most of their individuality.
The three of them are constantly discussing and creating works that incorporate new designs and crafting methods. In 2022 , they also worked on silver filigree works (hair ornaments, obi clips, etc.) that look good with Japanese clothing and faces for luxury watches. They are also challenging Akita's crafts such as Kawatsura Lacquerware and cherry bark crafts and collaborating with Hina doll makers to bring a new breeze to Akita silver filigree work. The possibilities of silver filigree work are endless, and the three of them are constantly searching for new designs and techniques.
Ms. Matsuhashi said, "I want to use this new trend to solve the problem of lack of successors. In the future, I would like to try ornaments such as shields, trophies, and pots." Ms.Kobayashi said," I want to work on the stationery of silver filigree such as a pen holder and an in-tray notepad holder and I want to increase the number of scenes where silver filigree work is used in everyday life." In addition, Ms. Takahashi is enthusiastic about incorporating different materials and techniques, saying, "I want to try a new design that combines the cloisonné that I learned at university." There are high expectations for more works to come of the three women who have abundant individuality.
In addition, the Yadome Engraving Workshop holds metal engraving classes where you can learn metal crafts from the basics. There are many people who have been coming to the studio since it opened, and now, four years later, there are some students making works designed by themselves and giving their creations to their friends.
Since almost every single step of silver filigree work is done by hand, Yadome Engraving Studio also accepts orders for made-to-order products. You can design one yourself down to the smallest detail, or you can ask them to design it for you by roughly conveying your image and purpose.
Many works are exhibited and sold at the studio. It is just across the Asahikawa River past Senshu Park from Akita Station. About 1km from the station, about 15 minutes on foot. Please stop by when you come to Akita.
Access to Yadome Engraving Atelier https://yadome-silver.com/#s-access