What is Takaoka Copperware?
Takaoka Copperware is a general term for vessels and craft products made from iron, copper, gold, silver, tin, zinc, aluminum, and other alloys produced in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. It is said to have originated in 1611, two years after Toshihaga Maeda, the second lord of the Kaga Domain, built a castle and opened a castle town in Takaoka. To promote industry in the castle town, casters (imoji) from Nishibe Kanaya Village, Tonami County, Etchu Province (now Tode Nishibe Kanaya, Takaoka City), who had inherited the tradition of Kawachi (parts of present-day Sakai City and Matsubara City, Osaka Prefecture), the birthplace of Japanese casting, were invited.
Initially, Takaoka Copperware produced ironware such as pots, kettles, and hoes. However, it developed under the generous protection of the Kaga Domain, and by the late Edo period, the production of copperware such as temple bells, large lanterns, and vases became fully fledged, expanding sales channels nationwide while producing several popular products.
In the modern era, there was a shortage of metal materials due to the wartime controlled economy during the previous great war, but after overcoming these difficulties, Takaoka Copperware was designated as a national traditional craft producing region in 1975. To this day, it continues to develop by incorporating designs that suit the times and introducing new manufacturing methods while preserving its traditions.