About Koshu Crystal Gemstone Work
Koshu Crystal Gemstone Work is a crystal and gemstone crafting art centered in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Good-quality crystals have been produced in Koshu (Yamanashi) since ancient times, said to have originated when Buddhist monks began making crystal prayer beads around the Kamakura period. During the Edo period, Kofu's crystal craftspeople became known nationwide, and from the Meiji era it developed into a jewelry industry also handling imported gemstones. Today, Kofu City still holds the top domestic share in jewelry production, with concentrated techniques for polishing, carving, and decorating precious stones.
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.
- 山梨宝石博物館 hands-on experience