Founder of the brand
Metalsmith Mitsunori
The “Mitsunori” brand was founded by metalsmith Takenori Obuchi (pseudonym “Mitsunori”), who has inherited craft traditions and culture that has over thousands of years of history, hoping to promote the silver work industry and spread traditional craftsmanship around the world.
In 1932, Mitsunori was born in Toyama Prefecture, an area with prosperous metal crafting. He apprenticed with Tokutaro Hayakawa, a distinguished silversmith, and then flew to Italy to further his silverware crafting knowledge.He then established his own style with unique and extremely intricate designs. His rich variety of techniques and artistry caused sighs and gasps of admiration at each exhibition he attended. In 1979 he won the Prime Minister’s Award for his efforts.He has received many prestigious awards, including winning the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor’s Award four times.
Handing down traditional craftsmanship
Mitsunori has had many apprentices with a wide age range and taught craftsmanship and philosophy in order to them hand them down, all the while searching for a new world of artistry to explore.
With traditions and culture handed down for thousands of years, Mitsunori’s passion for craftsmanship that encompasses his unique techniques, his pursuit of beauty, and his striving for ultimate perfection are being passed down to the next generation.
In order to keep handing down intentions of the previous generations, dozens of craftsmen are improving together at the workshop, through friendly rivalry and striving to create products incorporating current tastes.
Awards won by Mitsunori’s apprentices include the “New Face Award” and the “Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’s Award,” the highest prize at the All Japan Gold and Silver Art Creative Exhibition, showing that “Mitsunori’s spirit” has been handed down, still alive and well today.
Skill and Passion
While incorporating the latest techniques into traditional craftsmanship, skills and passion continue to be polished for the future.
Metalsmith Takenori Obuchi (pseudonym Mitsunori)
Biography
| 1932 | Born in Toyama Prefecture. |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Became an apprentice of Tokutaro Hayakawa, a distinguished silver smith. |
| 1970 | Flew to Italy to learn silverware crafting. |
| 1973 | Completed a gold/silver craft art piece “Bonsai,” a Japanese traditional art form, using the technique he developed. |
| 1975 | Won the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor’s Award, the highest award at the 1st Tokyo Silverware New Works Competition. |
| 1979 | Developed a new technique and completed “Reicho” exhibiting his work at Hotel Okura. Received the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest award at the 5th Nipporen Zenkoku Toitsu Sakuhin Competition. |
| 1980 | Created the world’s biggest platinum Venus, followed by Nagoya Castle made of platinum and gold. |
| 1981 | Won the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor’s Award, the highest award at the 7th Tokyo Silverware New Works Competition. Won the Platinum Guild Award at the 6th Platinum Design Contest. |
| 1985 | Won the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman’s Award at the 11th Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman. |
| 1987 | Won the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor’s Award, the highest award at the 13th Nipporen Zenkoku Toitsu Sakuhin Competition |
| 1990 | Presented a sterling silver ornament “Shokaku (flying crane)” commemorating the enthronement ceremony of 125th Japanese emperor. |
| 1993 | Presented a sterling silver ornament “Soshokaku (two cranes)” commemorating the marriage of the Crown Prince. |
| 1994 | Won the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor’s Award at the 2nd All Japan Gold and Silver Art Creative Exhibition. |
| 1995 | Went on a tour of silverware inspection world-wide |
| 1996 | Was awarded the Ojuhosho (Medal with a Yellow Ribbon for industriousness). |
| 1997 | Made the world’s biggest platinum statue of liberty (a one-35th scale model). |
| 1998 | Researched and developed a new technique called Light Precise Casting (LPC) and created a number of artworks. |
| 2001 | Took an order from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan to reconstruct the mount, upon the discovery of the oldest telescope. |
| 2004 | Was awarded the Kyokujitsusokosho (The Order of the Rising Sun、Gold and Silver Rays). |
| 2005 | Took an order from the Tokyo National Museum to restored the chandeliers. |
| 2019 | Established the brand “Mitsunori” in order to train the next-generation craftsmen and to preserve traditional craftsmanship. |
| Other | Won a number of awards at various competitions and exhibitions. |
| Held exhibitions at notable department stores, hotels, and jewelry shops. | |
| Created a number of pieces for shrines, temples, public offices, and commemorative projects. | |
| Worked on restoration projects of various cultural treasures and artwork. | |
| Dedicated himself to establish the All Japan Gold and Silver Art Creative Exhibition. | |
| Was the former chairman of the Tokyo Gold/Silver-ware Industrial Cooperative Association. | |
| Established the Silverware Museum. |