Copper and Tin Products“Ikuma”Nishii MFG. CO., LTD.
| Exhibitor (Manufacturer) | Nishii MFG. CO., LTD. |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-17 Minamimyojinmachi, Kaitacho, Aki-gun |
| TEL | （082）821-0241 |
| Start a business | April 15, 1918 |
| Established | September 15, 1948 |
| Representative | Hiroaki Nishii |
| Capital stock | 36,000,000 yen |
| Job description | 1.Vehicle license plates, signs / 2.Aircraft parts / 3.Semiconductor-related equipment / 4.Precision jigs and dies / 5.Design, develop and test various automatic machines. |
| Website | http://www.hiroshima-nishii.co.jp/ |
Founder of Nishii MFG. CO., LTD., Ikuma Nishii had been trained under a copper craftsman ever since graduating from elementary school and in 1918, founded the Nishii Ikuma Shop by applying the skills of copper craftsmanship. Thereafter, the company manufactured copper and bronze artwork such as pipe smoking cleaners and sake warmers. Currently, utilizing the technical methods of “dochu” that is the traditional craft of Hiroshima in addition to the skills of copper craftsmanship which the company had become proficient with since its foundation, the company developed the copper and tin product brand, “Ikuma,” to convey the beauty of copper through integration of traditional techniques and the latest technology.
Photo of the workshop at the time of foundation in 1918
“Hiroshima Dochu, Ikuma”
“Dochu” is a traditional copper craft of Hiroshima, which is said to have started at the beginning of the Edo Period (1603-1867) and was named after a craftsman who had continued to tap one copper plate with a hammer several tens of thousands of times and was called a “copper worm.”
Dochu, having the characteristics of a “hammer pattern” made by tapping a hammer and deep colors made by smoke from burning straw, was discontinued once, but it was reborn as “Ikuma” succeeding the attractiveness of “dochu” and utilizing the latest technology. “Ikuma,” made by the hands of craftsmen one at a time, was selected as commemorative gifts for participants of the G7 Hiroshima Foreign Ministers’ Conference held in 2016.
We will continue to challenge without being limited to such categories and techniques as copper craftsmanship and interiors.
*Currently, products of Nishii MFG. CO., LTD. are available at “Urushi Japan” on the 6th floor of Fukuya, Hacchobori Main Store.
Exhibition
1：Cup, Hotaru (Photo, back right)
2：Ice Mug, Akane (Photo, back right)
3：Hammer Pattern Coaster (Photo, back right)
4：Miyajima-san (Photo, center)
5：Hammer Pattern chopstick rest (Photo, front)
