Story Behind Creation of Shippo Flake
To create one and only item with a unique expression by Kato Shippo.
It took one and a half years to create a prototype to realize Shippo Nail.
Mr. Kato had a strong passion that items should not be the ones that anyone can produce if they just bake the glaze.
Usually, Shippoyaki is produced by glazing enamel onto a copper plate, however, copper plates were considered too thick and thus unrealistic to be used for nail materials.
With addressing many troubles like affinity with glaze and discoloration and cracks caused by chemical reactions, while trying different metals, we finally succeeded in creating Shippo Nail.
Pass Owari Shippo onto the Next Generations
Shippo has a long history, it goes way back to a dozen or so century BC — the world’s oldest Shippo is from the time when it was represented by a golden mask of Tutankhamen.
It was introduced to Japan in the 6th-7th century via China and Korea. Extant Shippo from the most ancient time in Japan is stored in the Shosoin Treasure Repository in Nara.
As many traditional handicrafts decline, we have fewer opportunities to get in touch with traditional culture, and Shippoyaki is no exception.
Mr. Kato is committed to not letting the history and heritage of Shippo die out here, continuing challenges in various genres.
