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"Kintami Armor for Tokugawa Ieyasu" Paperweight (First production run of 50 units) Pure gold-plated finish
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This is a 100% pure tin paperweight, a reproduction of Tokugawa Ieyasu's armor, "Kindami Gusoku."
With the cooperation of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine in Shizuoka City, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined, a prototype of the "Kindami Gusoku," a national important cultural property, was created and carefully cast by skilled craftsmen. Furthermore, the same technique used on the actual "Kindami Gusoku" is applied to the surface. You can choose between two types for this product: "edge-attached gold leaf" or "gold plating."
In addition, from the perspective of cultural property preservation, 30% of the sales of this product will be donated to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.

<Please read before purchasing>
*As this product is handmade, there may be individual differences in the gold color and surface finish.
*Strong impacts such as dropping, scratching, or touching with sharp objects may cause deformation or peeling of the gold leaf.
*This product has sharp parts and is heavy, so please handle it with extreme care. Also, to prevent injuries and accidents, please use and store it out of reach of small children.

Regarding handling
size

Dimensions: Height 105mm, Depth 45mm, Width 48mm *Both weight and dimensions vary between individual pieces.

Specifications

Material: Tin, Finish: Pure gold plating, Weight: Approx. 500g

Thoughts behind this product

The reproduction of Tokugawa Ieyasu's armor, the "Kin-Daimyo Gusoku," would not have been possible without the cooperation of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Chief priest Himeoka mentioned the immense effort and cost involved in managing and maintaining their cultural properties, including the national treasure shrine building. Through this reproduction, as a foundry from a region connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu, we hope to contribute, however modestly, to the preservation of these important cultural properties. A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to help protect the cultural properties owned by Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.

The handcrafted work of artisans, imbued with soul

Jutaro's tinware is carefully crafted one by one by skilled artisans. The casting process begins with mold making. Molten tin is poured into the mold, and once it has cooled and solidified, it is polished. We insist on handmade craftsmanship because the skills that cannot be replicated by machines reside in the artisans. The subtle irregularities that naturally appear, and the delicate shapes of the rims painstakingly formed by hand—all contribute to the joy of holding a handmade vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is tin (suzu)?

Tin — *suzu* in Japanese — is one of those metals that's been quietly part of daily life for a long time. It has a soft silver-white sheen, it doesn't rust easily, and it's non-toxic, which is why it's been used for tableware and sake cups for centuries.

Two things make tin a little special. It's a very good conductor of heat, and it has a subtle ion effect on whatever you pour into it. Tea, beer, and sake all seem to soften — the rough edges smooth out, and cold drinks stay cold longer. Some people even keep cut flowers in a tin vase, since tin helps keep the water fresh.

One thing to know: because tin conducts heat so quickly, it's not the right choice for hot drinks.

How do you take care of tin?

Everyday care

- Wash soon after use. Leaving liquids sitting in tin is the main cause of discoloration. A mild dish soap and a soft sponge are all you need.
- Dry it well. Water left on the surface can cause clouding or stains, so wipe with a soft cloth right after washing.

If smells or flavors linger

Dissolve a small spoonful of baking soda in lukewarm water and let the piece soak for a short while. Then wash as usual and dry thoroughly.

If the surface clouds or darkens

A little change over time is part of tin's character — we'd usually leave it. But if it really bothers you, make a paste of baking soda and water and polish gently with a soft cloth. No scrubbing, no metal polish.

Can I put tin in the microwave or the dishwasher?

Short answer: no to both.

Tin is a metal, so the microwave is out. And tin is soft enough that we don't recommend the dishwasher either — the high-heat drying cycle can change the surface, and the water pressure plus knocking against other dishes can scratch or even bend a piece out of shape.

A quick hand wash is really all it needs.

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