About Bekko Zaiku
Bekko Zaiku is decorative crafts made from hawksbill sea turtle shell, produced mainly in Taito Ward (around Asakusa and Ueno), Tokyo. Techniques transmitted from Nagasaki around the mid-Edo period developed in Edo/Tokyo, with hair ornaments (kanzashi), brooches, eyeglass frames, and obi clasps as representative products. The distinctive technique involves heating the hawksbill shell in hot water or flame to soften it, then pressing it into molds for shaping and joining. Currently the number of craftspeople and production volume are declining due to difficulty sourcing materials under CITES (Washington Convention) commercial trade restrictions, though production with existing materials and development of alternative materials continue.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 東京鼈甲工芸協同組合