Osaka Naniwa pewterware is the name of a traditional Japanese craft that originated around Osaka. Osaka is often called the second capital of Japan and its ancient name was Naniwa. In those days, tin was considered a precious metal. And in our time, artisans produce many beautiful pewter products, including glasses, vases, plates, stationery and much more.

Pewter utensils first appeared in Japan about 1300 years ago. The Shosoin imperial treasury in Nara Prefecture, which was built during the Asuka period (592–710), contains pewter medicine jars, plates, and historical objects dating back to the 8th century, when pewter was valued on a par with gold and silver. And in the Osaka region, such products were first produced in the middle of the Edo period (1681-1780).

The Osaka Suzuki workshop, founded by Yaichiro Imai in 1949, produces about 70% of pewter items made in Japan. The workshop employs 20 craftsmen, three of whom have national qualifications. The craftsmen preserve the traditional methods of working with tin, passing on their knowledge to their students. More than half of the workshop’s employees are young people between the ages of 20 and 30. Appreciating the continuity of traditional technologies, the workshop develops products adapted to the modern lifestyle. Nowadays, the workshop is run by Yachiro’s son, Tatsuaki Imai.