nanako
【nanako】is one of the brands that decorate the lifestyle of men. It is named after one of the metal carving techniques called, “Nanakomaki“.
The pinbadge series consist of fish motif pinbadges that are a perfect combination of cuteness and realism, and will definitely put a smile on your face. Their texture is unlike anything you have ever seen.
The fish motif pinbadges are made by using almost the same techniques and procedures as the Kazari Kanagu. They are carved with a tagane, cut out with a fretsaw, filed and finished off with some color. Particular attention is paid to the final procedure of coloring. Instead of using paint, a natural coloring is created from having the materials (copper and brass) react to a chemical solution.
For this reason, the color does not fade easily.
You may think it is quicker and easier if we make them from molds but it will lack the three-dimensional finish. Making each badge by hand gives it the sense of “warmth“ that cannot be achieved otherwise.
Founded in 1970. Ornamental metal fittings called “Kazari Kanagu” are used in altar and equipment of Buddhism (Butsugu) and Shintoism (Shingu) as well as in festival implements. These traditional Japanese crafts, “Owari Butsugu” and “Kazari Kanagu” are made by hand.
The number of tagane (chisels) our company uses in our production of Kazari Kanagu is over 3000. Beginning with keribori tagane, nanako tagane, kiri tagane and fuchiheri tagane, there is also the ikkoku tagane with various patterns engraved on it. Various tagane of all types and sizes are used according to different purposes such as engraving, carving patterns or cutting for a beautiful, three-dimensional finish.
Metal fittings have been installed in famous temples and cultural properties all over Japan.
From 2014, we also participated in the reconstruction of “Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace”. In addition to Butsugu, we also handle numerous dashi (festival floats) and mikoshi (portable Shinto shrines). We exhibited our dashi “Doujisha” for the “Shanghai World Expo” and also the “150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Switzerland”.
History of Owari Butsugu
With the construction of the Nagoya Castle in 1609 came an opportunity to form “Minami Teramachi” by building a collection of temples on the southern end of the castletown. Miya daiku (a temple and shrine carpenter) involved in this project eventually became Butsugu craftsmen. High-quality Kiso hinoki cypress flowed down the Kiso River and were gathered in Nagoya to be used for production, laying the foundation of lacquered wood Butsugu. Around the 1800’s, lower-class samurai took Butsugu making as a side job resulting in a mass production of a variety of Butsugu. In the late 1800’s onwards, high-skilled craftsmen divided the labor (woodturner, Buddhist sculptor, lacquer painter, coloring craftsman, foil-gilding craftsman, metal ornament makers) making it possible to further increase productivity of good-quality products. Additionally, it has been said that the central location of the Owari region played an important role in the wide distribution of Owari Butsugu all over Japan.
Beginning of Wayuan
“Owari Butsugu” has a history of over 300 years. With changes in lifestyles, people became detached from Butsudan (Buddhist altar) and also religion itself. As a result, we witnessed lower demands for Butsugu, a drastic decrease in the number of craftsmen and companies in the same industry go out of business. From the fear that “traditional techniques would cease and a strong sense of mission to protect them”, we applied the techniques to create products that people are more familiar with such as jewelry, accessories and interior décor items. This is the beginning of our sales business, “Wayuan”.
Our Products
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nanako Fish Pins Black bass
Regular price $58.66 USDRegular priceUnit price / per -
nanako Fish Pins Masu salmon
Regular price $73.33 USDRegular priceUnit price / per -
nanako Fish Pins Coloured Carp
Regular price $73.33 USDRegular priceUnit price / per -
nanako Fish Pins Sand borer
Regular price $73.33 USDRegular priceUnit price / per