This is a finely crafted Japanese hammered-metal (tsuiki-dōki 鎚起銅器) decorative plate, made by 玉川堂 (Gyokusendō), a renowned metalworking studio in Tsubame, Niigata, with a tradition dating back to the Edo period.
Plate written “Shingetsurin” (心月輪, Heart-Moon Circle) The pot lid’s round form naturally evokes the moon, which in Japanese aesthetics represents serenity, enlightenment, and the cycles of nature. The full moon (tsukimi) is celebrated for its calm, complete beauty. A round lid, closing the pot, becomes a reflection of this wholeness.
It emphasizes how even an everyday object like a pot lid can embody deep meaning—bringing balance to one’s surroundings and spirit.
The text emphasizes that such crafted pieces are not only practical but also embody the maker’s spirit and artistry, bringing balance and quiet appreciation to daily life. By using and treasuring this work, the owner shares in a tradition that values simplicity, elegance, and the blending of function with art.
The plate has a gently flowing, organic form with softly undulating edges, evoking the shape of a flower or rippling water. Its surface exhibits a deep iridescent patina of blue and purple hues, achieved through Gyokusendō’s signature coloring techniques, which bring out subtle depth and tonal variations unique to each piece.
This work comes housed in its original kiri-wood tomobako (storage box) signed by the artist. Included are detailed pamphlets describing the history and philosophy of Gyokusendō, as well as care instructions for tsuiki-dōki wares.
More than just a vessel, this plate embodies centuries of Japanese craftsmanship in hammered copperware—celebrated for its durability, beauty, and evolving patina over time. It serves equally as a functional dish, a centerpiece for display, or a collectible work of metal art.
Size: 20 x 20 x 4cm (Plate)
22 x 22 x 4.5cm (Box)
