Dochu-zaiku is a technique invented by a copper craftsman who was working for Lord Asano of the Hiroshima Domain at the beginning of the Edo Era. The origins Dochu-zaiku are said to have begun with the manufacturing of charcoal braziers, kettles, and vases by continuous pounding several tens of thousands of times on one plate of copper to form a shape, which were presented to feudal lords of other Domains as a special gift of the Hiroshima Domain and became very popular. Copper crafts, after forming the cooper plate, “tsuchime” (hammer imprint) patterns are applied on the surface and colored by the smoke of rice straw and polished to have a dark brown old iridescent color, unique to Hiroshima, which is said to be beyond comparison as the secret method of Dochu (only genuine smoke technique in Japan).
In addition, Dochu is said to drive from the fact that products the copper craftsman was so serious about his work that he was known as the “copper bug.”
Dochu products are loved by tea masters and those who have refined taste, as they demonstrate a unique quality of enhanced gloss refinement as time passes. These wares are popular as commemorative articles and gifts within Japan and overseas as traditional crafts of Hiroshima.