i-sapte tableware collection 2023

NOUSAKU

In 1916, Nousaku began manufacturing Buddhist ritual objects, Japanese tea sets and vases made of brass and bronze in Takaoka, Japan. The city has flourished since 1609, and built its reputation as the center of the copper industry in Japan over those 400 years.
Casting is a manufacturing process in which a molten metal is poured into a mold to form an object of the desired shape. Every Nousaku product starts with the creation of a sand mold, and then undergoes several finishing processes. Hand-finishing by experienced craftsmen accentuates its material beauty and fineness.

Toshiya Kawanano

Ainu Craft Artist / Native of Osachinai, Biratori Town, Hokkaido
Since 2008, has been actively involved in the cultural heritage activities of the Ainu people as a staff member for the Iwor Regeneration Project in the Biratori region of the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Ainu Culture Promotion and Research. Organization (*) Also, a member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association, diligently working as a young craftsman on the creation of Ainu traditional crafts.
In recent years, has produced many Nibutani Ita. Striving to create works that are appreciated for their "beautiful patterns," not only by the seniors in the Nibutani community but also by those unfamiliar with Ainu crafts. Pays attention to detailed preliminary drawings before entering wood carving.
Born and raised in Nibutani, BIratori Town, actively involved in various activities beyond the production of Ainu crafts. Aspires to continue passing on the knowledge learned from seniors to juniors and endeavors to become a trusted figure in the local community regardless of age.
In 2020, participated in the Hokkaido Ainu Association's "Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Crafts Exhibition" and received an encouragement award.
*Since the fiscal year 2020, it has been incorporated as the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation.

Ryo Nishiyama

Ainu Craft Artist / Native of Furenai, Biratori Town, Hokkaido
Engaged in the cultural heritage activities of Ainu culture as a staff member for the Iwor Regeneration Project in the Biratori region under the auspices of the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation. Joined the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association in 2022 and actively involved as a young artist in the creation of Ainu traditional crafts.
Enthusiastically produces traditional craft "Nibutani Ita," making a conscious effort to express individuality within the solid depiction of traditional patterns from Nibutani. Committed to passing on the Ainu culture and craft techniques of Nibutani to future generations, nurturing successors as a means to preserve Nibutani Ainu culture.
Received the Excellence Award at the 56th Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Crafts Exhibition, organized by the Hokkaido Ainu Association, in 2023.

Daiki Hiramura

Ainu Craft Artist / Native of Honcho, Biratori Town, Hokkaido
Engaged in the cultural heritage activities of Ainu culture as a staff member for the Iwor Regeneration Project in the Biratori region under the auspices of the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation. Joined the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association in 2022 and actively involved as a young artist in the creation of Ainu traditional crafts.
In the creation of "Nibutani Ita," Strives to balance the combination of traditional and new patterns, ensuring a design that respects traditional motifs without leaning too heavily towards originality. Often spends a considerable amount of time contemplating patterns. Future goal is to establish himself as an independent woodcarver. Through his artworks, aims to create pieces that spark interest in Ainu culture among those encountering it for the first time.
Received the Grand Prize at the 56th Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Crafts Exhibition, organized by the Hokkaido Ainu Association, in 2023.