The history of tinware in Japan is ancient, dating back to 1500 BC, when a tin water jar was discovered in the ruins of an ancient Egyptian city.
Tin's unique luster and low melting point have made it a popular material for crafting objects in various countries around the world since ancient times.
In Japan, tin was introduced to Japan between the 7th and 9th centuries by Japanese envoys to the Sui and Tang dynasties, and several pieces are preserved in the famous Shōsōin Treasure House in Nara.
Traditionally, tin was used to produce sacred sake bottles, sakaki vases, and other religious items, as well as tea caddies and saucers, which were favored by a select few, such as those in the imperial court. However, during the Edo period, it became widely used by the general public.
With advancements in technology, it is now possible to produce a wide range of items, including sake bottles, tea utensils, tableware, and decorative items, making them popular as household tableware, gifts, presents, and commemorative items.
Characteristics of Tinware
Tin does not usually rust or tarnish.
With proper care, its warm luster and sheen can be enjoyed for a long time. Tin molecules are coarse and are said to adsorb impurities in water and alcohol, making the taste milder.
Furthermore, it is harmless, has no metallic odor, and has been used as a material for tableware since ancient times.
The technology of "Osaka Tinware" originated with the first Ihei (Suzui), who followed the lineage of Kyoto tinware that spread from Kyoto to Osaka in the late Edo period, and flourished in Osaka for generations.
Later, in order to rebuild the Osaka tin industry, which had been devastated by World War II, craftsmen from the Imai, Tono, Tanaka, Nakatani, and Ichimura families gathered to establish Osaka Tinware Co., Ltd. in 1949, and it continues to this day.
If our products were simply about "being functional," they would be expensive, and if they were "novel," their shapes might be familiar.
However, each piece is carefully crafted based on the belief, refined over hundreds of years, that "they are beautiful, and even more importantly, practical."
Rather than being swept away by fleeting trends, its value increases and deepens with continued use over time.
Its crisp, cool appearance enhances the flavor of beverages.
It's also a recommended item for presents and gifts.
Care Instructions
For sake bottles and tumblers, wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent after use, rinse thoroughly, and drain.
Tin is mainly shaped and polished using a potter's wheel.
For dust and dirt, gently wipe along the circumference with a soft cloth.
For heavy soiling or slight discoloration, apply mild detergent or baking soda to a used sponge and wash evenly along the circumference with slightly more force.
Most dirt can be removed using this method. (However, for oxidized products, using a sponge may cause the oxidized finish to peel off, so wipe off dirt with detergent and a soft cloth.)
Precautions for Use
Precautions for Use
Please note the following points when using tinware.
The main characteristics of tinware are as follows:
Tinware is a soft metal, so it may be scratched by fingernails, and may dent if dropped.
Due to its high thermal conductivity, it will become too hot to hold if hot liquids are placed inside.
Avoid highly acidic beverages (such as lemon water) as they may cause discoloration.
Do not store in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator.
The crystal structure may change (tin pest), causing the tinware to easily crumble.
It is not suitable for use in dishwashers or microwave ovens.
Tinware is still made using traditional methods, one piece at a time.
Some items may take time to be restocked if they are out of stock.
Size: (approx.) φ5.7 × H9.0cm
Weight: 165g
Material: Tin (97% or more)
Country of Origin: Japan
The Ministry of Health and Welfare revised the Food Sanitation Act in 2008. All tinware currently being manufactured is safe and meets the revised standards.