Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Chokin (Metal Engraving)”

Morihito Katsura is a master metal engraver renowned for his exceptional skill in the traditional Japanese art of metalwork.
He is widely recognized as one of the leading figures in contemporary Japanese metal craftsmanship.
While faithfully preserving traditional techniques such as hammering, inlay, and colored metal decoration, he continuously explores new forms of expression and design — breathing life into metal through his artistry.
His works have earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad, and are held in numerous exhibitions and museum collections.

Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Tankin (Metal Hammering)”

Yukie Ōsumi is the first woman in Japan’s metal art field to be designated a Living National Treasure for “Tankin (Metal Hammering).”
She has established a distinctive artistic style that combines both delicacy and strength, skillfully shaping metals such as copper and silver through the process of hammering and forming.

Her signature works feature vessels shaped by the tankin technique and adorned through *chokin*—particularly using the *nunome-zōgan* (textile-inlay) method—where gold, lead, and platinum are inlaid to create intricate decorations.
Ōsumi is dedicated to sharing the beauty and depth of Japanese metal craftsmanship with the world.
She hopes that people overseas will come to appreciate the unique character and exceptional quality of Japanese culture, and in turn, be inspired to learn about and cherish their own cultural heritage.