About Koshu Tebori Insho (Koshu Hand-Carved Seal)
Koshu Tebori Insho are hand-carved seals (hanko/inkan) produced in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The craftsmen's skills rooted in the processing of Koshu crystal were also applied to seal carving, developing as a production area from the late Edo period. Known nationwide as a high-quality hand-carved seal production area, characterized by intricate techniques of hand-carving characters and patterns one by one, and the use of diverse materials including crystal, black water buffalo horn, and boxwood. The warmth and precision of hand carving that sets it apart from machine carving continues to support steady demand for important seals used by government offices, corporations, and individuals.
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.
- 甲府手彫印章工房（産地にご確認ください）