Akita Ginsen Zaiku: Akita Filigree
April 20, 2016In "Akita Ginsen Zaiku", 0.1-0.3mm thin "Ginsen (silver wires)" made from pure silver are processed into various patterns with traditional techniques. Brilliance of silver brings grace and the delicate and elaborate patterns create the texture of the art works.
Ginsen zaiku (filigree), made by twisting thin pure silver wires only with fingertips, were initially used for hair accessories, kanzashi (Japanese hair sticks) for wedding and others by women of the warrior caste. From the middle of Showa period (20c), broaches, earrings, pendants, forehead ornaments and others have mainly been produced. The elaborate and delicate handicrafts have been highly evaluated not only at home but abroad.
Read the full article:
Akita Ginsen Zaiku: Akita Filigree
Translation by: Shione Furuta, reviewed by Marie Mine
Also please visit:
Japanese Traditional Crafts Resource Center
Japanese Traditional Arts Resource Center
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