Takaoka Copperware | Traditional Crafts from Takaoka, Toyama
Takaoka Copperware and FUMIKODA
FUMIKODA’s accessories were chosen as a gift for the First Lady of the United States during the 2024 Japan-U.S. summit, bringing renewed attention to the traditional craft of Takaoka copperware from Toyama Prefecture.
Since our founding, FUMIKODA has incorporated these beautiful turquoise-blue crafts into not only our accessories but also our bags.
"Orii Blue": 400 Years of Craftsmanship
Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture has thrived as a center of copperware production for over 400 years. The story of Takaoka copperware began in 1611, when Lord Maeda Toshinaga of the Kaga domain brought seven casting artisans to build Takaoka Castle. Since then, Takaoka has become renowned for a wide range of copper products, from stationery and incense burners to Buddhist altar fittings, cherished throughout Japan.
“Orii Blue,” a distinct shade created by Takaoka artisan Hiroshi Orii, emerged after two years of dedication and experimentation. Using traditional coloring techniques with natural materials, Orii developed this unique hue, renowned for the deep, captivating blue achieved through chemical reactions. This technique allows even ultra-thin metal to be beautifully colored, creating a unique piece where no two are exactly alike.
Merging Tradition with Fashion
Led by Orii, Momentum Factory Orii combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, shaping a new vision of artisanship. By preserving the history and techniques of Takaoka copperware while innovating products suited for modern lifestyles, Orii’s work has captivated a growing audience.
