History (Origins)

Since ancient times, Sano City has been known as Tenmyo. In the 10th century, Fujiwara no Hidesato invited metal casting experts from Kawachi and had them make weapons, kettles, Buddhist images and so forth. This was the origin of the Tenmyo-imono tradition.

Characteristics (Techniques and Materials)

Starting in the Kamakura Period (1185–1333), the use of these cast-metal goods spread throughout Japan. They are treasured particularly for their rough qualities set against a backdrop of elegant beauty, as well as for their deep and profound characteristics.

Contact Information

Sano Imono Industrial Cooperative
2618, Kameicho, Sano-shi, Tochigi, 327-0024
TEL: +81-283-22-0952