These chopsticks, made from 92.5% pure silver, are designated as a national traditional craft. Metal chopsticks are also popular as portable utensils. Silver has the property of changing to blue or black when it comes into contact with poisons such as arsenic. In the past, they were even used to check for the presence of poison before consuming food.
About the Production Area: Tokyo Ginki
"Tokyo Ginki" refers to metal crafts predominantly produced in Tokyo, which were designated as a National Traditional Craft in 1979. The primary material traditionally used is silver, with a base silver purity of at least 92.5%.
The history of Tokyo Ginki can be traced back to the mid-Edo period, during which shiroganeshi (silverware artisans) and kinkoushi (decorative artisans) emerged. These craftsmen created items such as combs, hairpins, and fittings for mikoshi (portable shrines). Their silverware and tools gained popularity among the townspeople, becoming cherished everyday items.
The techniques and skills behind Tokyo Ginki have been passed down through generations of artisans, including tankinshi (metal hammering craftsmen), choukingshi (engraving craftsmen), and shiageshi (finishing craftsmen). Most of the manufacturing processes rely on manual craftsmanship, utilizing techniques such as "metal hammering," "engraving," "kiribame" (inlaying), and "soldering" to create a diverse array of products.
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