【Edo Tokyo Rethink】Mokumeganeya x Noritaka Tatehana

Originating in the Edo period, Mokume Gane eventually formalized into a technique for the forging of sword guards of katanas. However, it would later fall into obscurity.

It was Mokumeganeya who proposed to bring back this once-lost art in the form of jewelry.

Current head Masaki Takahashi first founded the company in 1997. Later, he would also establish the NPO Japan Mokumegane Research Institute in 2003, which focuses on the research and restoration of Mokume Gane.

This exhibition’s collaborative piece, Heel-less Shoes, uses Mokume Gane for its zipper slider.

This Mokume Gane does not simply have a modern design, but also has the openwork style once used by sword guards in the Edo period.

As technology once used to create sword guards in the Edo period becomes one with Heel-less Shoes in today’s Reiwa period, one might say that a new page in Mokume Gane’s 400 year history has been opened.

Photo: GION
*All necessary safety precautions were taken during the interview as part of COVID-19 prevention.

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Online Exhibition Outline
Exhibition Title: Edo Tokyo Rethink -The Future of Traditional Industry Seen Through Art at the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens-
Exhibition Site:https://edotokyokirari.jp/exhibition/
Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Edo-Tokyo Kirari Project
Co-organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association

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