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Takaoka: A Metalworking Townscape Beneath the Buddha’s Gaze

  • Often counted among the three Great Buddhas, the Takaoka Daibutsu is a 10-minute walk from Takaoka Station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway.

    Often counted among the three Great Buddhas, the Takaoka Daibutsu is a 10-minute walk from Takaoka Station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway.

  • The Daibutsu’s handsome features are testament to the skills of Takaoka’s copperware artisans. This statue is unusual for the disc of light behind its head.

    The Daibutsu’s handsome features are testament to the skills of Takaoka’s copperware artisans. This statue is unusual for the disc of light behind its head.

  • Buildings in Kanayamachi feature vertical louvers called samanoko. Visitors can amuse themselves searching for the heart-shaped cast metal decorations embedded here and there among the cobblestones.

    Buildings in Kanayamachi feature vertical louvers called samanoko. Visitors can amuse themselves searching for the heart-shaped cast metal decorations embedded here and there among the cobblestones.

  • Metal casting equipment and artifacts used in the Edo period are on display at the Metal Casting Museum. Admission is free for junior high school students and younger guests; ¥300 for high schoolers and older visitors.

    Metal casting equipment and artifacts used in the Edo period are on display at the Metal Casting Museum. Admission is free for junior high school students and younger guests; ¥300 for high schoolers and older visitors.

  • Kōryō Kinjudō is housed in a tastefully refurbished Meiji period townhouse.

    Kōryō Kinjudō is housed in a tastefully refurbished Meiji period townhouse.

  • A copper statue used as the model for the Takaoka Daibutsu.

    A copper statue used as the model for the Takaoka Daibutsu.

  • A silver/bronze owl with precious metal inlays by Kanamori Eiichi (upper left) and a cast copper vase by Ōzawa Kōmin (lower right) are among the museum’s holdings.

    A silver/bronze owl with precious metal inlays by Kanamori Eiichi (upper left) and a cast copper vase by Ōzawa Kōmin (lower right) are among the museum’s holdings.

  • Exquisitely crafted tea ceremony wares are displayed at the rear of the store.

    Exquisitely crafted tea ceremony wares are displayed at the rear of the store.

  • Entrance to the Rizaburō Metal Casting Studio, one street west of the cobblestoned main street.

    Entrance to the Rizaburō Metal Casting Studio, one street west of the cobblestoned main street.

  • The shop sells a variety of cast metal products, from tea ceremony wares and vases to doorknobs. Behind the green curtain lies the studio where visitors can try metal casting.

    The shop sells a variety of cast metal products, from tea ceremony wares and vases to doorknobs. Behind the green curtain lies the studio where visitors can try metal casting.

  • The artisan Jinpachi Sōichirō was honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, for his contributions to the craft of metal casting.

    The artisan Jinpachi Sōichirō was honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, for his contributions to the craft of metal casting.

  • Hand-polishing a brazier used in the tea ceremony.

    Hand-polishing a brazier used in the tea ceremony.

  • Jinpachi excels at creating delicate bud vases (left). Compared to a popular Takaoka cast metal vase (right), his fine work displays his mastery of the craft.

    Jinpachi excels at creating delicate bud vases (left). Compared to a popular Takaoka cast metal vase (right), his fine work displays his mastery of the craft.

  • The Kisendō showroom is on the same street as the Rizaburō Metal Casting Studio. Display shelves at the rear showcase items created in the Takaoka copperware tradition.

    The Kisendō showroom is on the same street as the Rizaburō Metal Casting Studio. Display shelves at the rear showcase items created in the Takaoka copperware tradition.

  • Elegantly designed Kisen tableware.

    Elegantly designed Kisen tableware.

  • Yotsukawa says he will continue offering both traditional and modern copperware.

    Yotsukawa says he will continue offering both traditional and modern copperware.

  • Incense burners are a signature product of Kisendō, with especially elaborate items growing in popularity in China.

    Incense burners are a signature product of Kisendō, with especially elaborate items growing in popularity in China.

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