Seikado was established here in Kyoto in 1838 (Edo Period) as a pewterer. Our 7th owner has devoted himself to making pewter arts as well as running exhibitions displaying a wide range of Japanese metal arts. The gallery introduces contemporary craftsmen.
Although historically, Kyoto pewter crafts were originally developed exclusively for the upper class, we have striven to design something in keeping with modern times while honoring our traditional heritage. The next time you pay a visit to Kyoto, we invite you to experience such distinctive Japanese beauty.
Philosophy
In this day and age the world is overflowing with “things.” Being surrounded by so much, we start to forget the importance and value of the truly special objects and indiscriminately want to eliminate everything. But in the background of these “special things,” there is hidden culture, tradition, art, technology, as well as the hearts of many people who have been involved. Not only do we take care to create products of high quality, we value those hidden aspects and do our best to convey them.
Tradition
‘Teramachi Street,’ where Seikado is located, used to have many religious institutions, such as temples and shrines as its name suggests (“Tera” means temple). When we first started our business, we mainly crafted religious art ifacts. These pewter artifacts that were made at our workshop can still be found in shrines all across Japan and play an essential part in the Gion Festival. The Imperial Palace is located nearby and it is said that pewter sake (Japanese rice wine) cups were popular among the nobility.
There is also a tradition in Kyoto that is related to “tea.” The pewter tea sets made at our workshop are essential to any good tea ceremony. We make a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to contemporary art, incorporating silver and copper alongside pewter, all crafted using a combination of traditional techniques and modern craftsmanship.
“HEISHI (ritual sake bottle),” a sacred treasure for Gion Festival
Tea utensils made of pewter
Our Works
Each metal has its own unique properties and our job is to make the most of these characteristics. We take great care to preserve and apply the traditional techniques that have been meticulously developed over Kyoto’s 1,200-year history. (…Read More)
Pewter
Due to its high resistance to corrosion, pewter has long been used for tableware. It is one of the essential vessels for Japanese sake enthusiasts. In addition to sake ware such as pitchers and cups, pewter is also used for tea utensils, including teapots and saucers. (…Read More)
Silver
Japanese silverware values the aesthetic of Kirei-sabi, emphasizing the quaint beauty that emerges over time. It is crafted with consideration for the changes that occur with age. In addition to tableware such as plates and chopsticks, there are tea utensils and decorative accessories like Netsuke.
Copper / Bronze / Brass
Bronze, which was introduced to Japan from the Chinese continent in ancient times, is one of the oldest and most widely used materials in the world of metal craftsmanship, from casting to forging. It allows for a diverse range of colors through patination and oxidation. Known for its high thermal conductivity and malleability, bronze is used to create tea utensils, ornaments, flower vases, and incense burners.
Metalcraft Care
Many customers ask us how they should care for their metalcrafts. Although no special care is normally required, there are minimum care requirements. The following is a summary of the caring for metalcraft, including pewterware, which has been our specialty since the establishment of our company in the Edo period. (…Read More)
Dealers
Seikado offers a limited wholesale service for distributors or stores. (…Read More)
(as of 2023)
United States
- Tea Dealers: https://www.teadealers.com/
29 Ave B New York, NY 10009
About your order at our ONLINE STORE
Regarding Orders and Shipment for Overseas Customers
At Seikado, international orders and overseas shipment are conducted through the purchasing agency, WorldShopping.
(*Seikado itself offers international shipping only for customers who visit our physical store and make payment for a product.)
When viewing the Seikado online store, ( https://store.seikado.jp/ ) the WorldShopping banner will automatically be displayed for overseas customers. Through this system, products listed on the Seikado online store can be purchased from overseas. (The banner will not appear for domestic orders within Japan) (…Read More)