Collaborative creations

At Kyoto ZUIHODO, we not only use metalwork, but also collaborate with craftspeople from other art genres to create new designs. Using a combination of calligraphy, paper mounting and handmade kinran fabric, which Buddhist priests’ clothes are made from, we have created these folding screens. A picture framer creates a basic design and then the other artists add to the piece. 

Each artist values the traditional method of making their artwork, using equipment and technologies that follow and preserve these traditions. By sharing their ideas, these artists can respect each other’s methods and work together to create beautiful pieces.

We are exhibiting these pieces at Kyoto ZUIHODO, so please come and see them for yourself.

Translated by Jennie Whittington

Ambiente Day 1

Ambiente 2019 was held in Frankfurt, Germany. This year, Kyoto ZUIHODO will be awaiting your visit in Hall 4.0 D87.

We are exhibiting many different works to last year. There are some selected works such as Tancho Duru, which took around 1 year to create after the silver kettle. In Japan's unique paintings, a lot of people are staring at their feet and looking fine and beautiful.

Also this year the internationally renowned artist Georg Jensen has visited Kyoto ZUIHODO's booth. Kumo-o is absent this time, but the friendship between the metalworkers remains unchanged.

Thank you very much to the many people who visited on the first day. We are very grateful. I will continue to do my best until the 12th! Auf Wiedersehen!

Ambiente Preparation

After heading to Germany for Ambiente, I arrived in Frankfurt safely. The next day I visited the venue, and was busy preparing for the exhibition of the works.

The image of our booth has changed from last year's. This year the booth is based on grey, which not only creates a calm atmosphere but also brings to life the colours of each work so you will enjoy the place much more. You can also see a demonstration by the artist Aki Takahashi, and experience her artwork.

Kyoto ZUIHODO is aiming to convey the merits of not only silver kettles but also pottery and other works, through letting people see beyond the beauty of the works and learning the techniques behind them.

Well, I will do my best to prepare for the next day's event.

Going to Germany

Hello everyone!

This year, like last year, we will exhibit our works again at Ambiente 2019, held in Frankfurt,

Germany. As usual, our booth will be waiting for everyone to visit in Hall 4.0, D87. 

This year, we will create a different design for our booth. We hope that you will look forward to visiting it.

Also, our gallery in Kyoto will be open from 10am - 6pm as usual, except for our regular holidays on Wednesdays and Sundays. Please come in and see us if you are in Kyoto.

I will update you with more exhibition information soon. Thank you for your patience.

Notice of Closure for New Year Holidays

Thank you very much for your continued patronage of Kyoto ZUIHODO. We will now inform you about our new year holidays.

Kyoto ZUIHODO will be closed from the 17th December 2018 until the 3rd January 2019.
Please note that our holiday is not starting on the 27th December as it has done in previous years.
We apologise to everyone for any inconvenience, and thank you kindly for your understanding.

We will be accepting inquiries by email during the holiday period.
If you need to tell us something, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Thank you.

We are grateful to everyone for this year. Next year we will continue our devotion to you and to our work.
Thank you for very much for all of your support.

We would like to wish everyone a happy new year, and we hope for the same for Kyoto ZUIHODO.

Wave Pattern Teapot

This teapot has a calm wave pattern with a satin finish.

It is smaller than the standard size, being 5.4 inches in width, meaning that it is easy for everyone to handle.

The pattern is created by a process of carefully and repeatedly striking the metal, and the finish created with old methods which the artist’s masters used and passed on to them.

Nowadays in Japan, the processes for making silver teapots are more often done by machine than by hand. Because Kyoto ZUIHODO are committed to preserving traditional techniques, wonderful handmade works such as this wave pattern kettle still exist.

There are trends everywhere. At this time, there are also fashions in the world of traditional art. Enhancing the arrangement of old patterns creates new textures, which can become a part of these fashions.

When you want to take a rest, enjoy some tea with a beautiful silver kettle… why not taste such a moment?

Visit this work’s page here.

A Hands-on Golden Joinery Workshop at Kyoto ZUIHODO

On the 23rd September, the Senryo ga Tsuji event will be held. This event in Nishijin, Kyoto, is the biggest one for conveying the history in an exciting way.

At Kyoto ZUIHODO, lacquer artist Ai Shimizu will hold a hands-on golden joinery workshop. For the workshop, epoxy resin and a substitute lacquer will be used instead of genuine golden lacquer. Although the materials will be different, you will still experience for yourself the ancient process of how to do golden joinery which has been handed down through the ages.

To participate in this workshop costs ¥3,500 per person. If you would also like to use some of our crockery, you will need to pay an extra ¥500. Alternatively, you may also bring your own items.

Time: There will be two session on the 23rd September at 11am and 3pm.

Please contact Kyoto Zuihodo to reserve your place.

Phone number: 075-748-0953

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

999 Pure Silver Kettle - Sizuku (Dripping Water Pattern)

Rain brings us wealth. Without water, people, animals, and plants cannot live.

When raindrops touch the window, it holds the same beauty as a sunny day. Also, when  winter’s ice melts, water droplets fall and we can feel the arrival of spring.

Although rain is often called depressing, it is indispensable for all living things. Its presence is a wonderful thing.

The appearance of dripping water is expressed on this kettle. Due to its old-fashioned finish, this work shines with beauty. Just like rain, it makes people feel soothed.

Watch a YouTube video of this work here.

Visit this work’s webpage here.