Since this spring, Mr. I, the only Kiseru (Oriental tobacco pipe) maker left in Kyoto, has been working with our studio. In addition to crafting pipes, he is also extremely skilled in engraving designs. We became acquainted a few years ago with the purpose of educating the next generation of craftsmen about traditional techniques and the preservation of knowledge. Mr. I had closed his home studio 20 years ago,and our studio was able to inherit all of his pipe making tools at that time.
Normally it would be best for these high quality pipes to be sold in stores specializing in smoking tools, but most of the pipes that appear in those shops are low priced, mass-produced items which are machine cast. The demand for high quality handmade pipes is no longer high enough for an individual craftsman to make a living.
I hope that we preserve as much knowledge as possible while Mr. I is here. I also would like to revive all kinds of things which have faded over time.
About purchasing
We have an online store in addition to our physical store Teramachi-Nijo in Kyoto.
Our Seikado online store also offers a variety of new products.
