Metalwork
Haitōrei, the Sword Abolishment Edict issued in 1876, prohibited people, with a few exceptions, from carrying weapons in public. As a result, craftsmen who worked metals started to struggle.
Thanks to their unique technical skills, they turned to making ordinary or decorated tools as well as vases and Okimono.
In the 19th century, pure silver, bronze with high-percentage Shakudo gold or Shibuichi silver, and objects with enamel decoration in the cloisonné style became actual masterpieces for their technique and perfection; they stood out for the array of colours, finishes and coats which cannot be found in other outputs and other origins.
The most renowned workshops and studios are Miyao Company for bronze objects – founded by Miyao Eisuke – and Namikawa Yasuyuki, Inaba-Kinunken and Jubei Ando for enamels and cloisonné.