Osaka Tin ware (Osaka Naniwa Suzu-ki)

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Tin ware has a long history in Japan. First introduced to the country about1300 years ago, tin was considered second only to gold and silver in terms of value and was used to make goods for palaces and shrines.
Later when tea culture arrived from China,it was used to make containers and vessels for tea.

Osaka became a major production center when craftsmen came to the city during the Edo period.The business grew rapidly with over 250 craftsmen working there.
Things changed drastically when tin became scarce during the second world war, and it proved impossible to restore the industry to its former glory.
The Osaka Suzu-ki Co. came into being in 1949 when a group of 5 craftsman families banded together to establish a new company.
In 1983 Osaka Suzu-ki products were recognized as a traditional craft (Osaka Namiwa Suzu-ki) by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Today a total of 14 craftsmen, three of whom are certified Traditional Craftsmen, ply their trade according to the traditions passed down from their forefathers.

The tin used for Osaka Suzu-ki is imported from Malasia,Thailand, Indonesia and China.
Molten tin is poured into a mold. When it has cooled, it is removed from the mold and shaped on a wheel.
At this point the tin is still rough and thick so special traditional tools are used to scrape away the surface,
giving it a smooth,shiny finish.
Each craftsman has a role to play in the process, with the most experienced coaxing the piece into shape and getting the most out of the sheen.

All the craftsmen at Osaka Suzu-ki are committed to creating objects that are not just practical but beautiful.
They aim to create something a little different from the mass-produced market, items that are well
worth the price and which are sure to become even more valuable over time.

Please see below for more products which are not currently in stock but can be ordered upon request.