For customers, armor is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.Thinking this way, I cannot help but personally inspect every detail of each piece of armor.Although the number produced is limited, I want to deliver satisfying works to the world.Currently, the most enjoyable time is when I am thinking about what kind of piece to create next.
**Hiromune Takehisa**Born in Kyoto in 1948 (Showa 23), as the third son of the previous generation, Heian Takehisa (Saji Kuzo) and his wife, the first Chino (a recipient of Kyoto City’s Traditional Craftsmanship Technology Merit Award, known as Chi).He spent his childhood in an environment considered the headquarters of Kyoto armor making.
From a young age, he was interested in various traditional techniques and apprenticed under many craftsmen.For example, he studied fabric, engraving, decorative fittings, metal painting, and more. His relentless curiosity that does not confine itself to any particular field can truly be called that of a born craftsman.
After learning traditional techniques and the spirit from the first Takehisa and the first Chino (who is also a recipient of Kyoto City’s Traditional Craftsmanship Technology Merit Award and the wife of the first Heian Takehisa), he was recognized as a Traditional Craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry and adopted the name Hiromune Takehisa.
Because he personally reviews all his works, the number of pieces produced annually is naturally limited, and only a very small number are available on the market.
**Recipient of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star**In the autumn of Reiwa 2 (2020), during the autumn honors, Kyoto’s Hiromune Takehisa “Saji Kanzo” was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of his significant contributions to the Kyoto doll industry.
**The highest level work of “Kuratate” (Japanese traditional craftwork)**The term “Kichoumen” (meticulous craftsmanship) originates from the idea of performing tasks accurately and not carelessly.Such detailed decoration as Kichoumen requires craftsmen to work precisely and correctly; otherwise, the work cannot be beautifully finished.It is said that people who do things properly and seriously are called “Kichoumen” (meticulous).
We create each seasonal doll, which serves as a guardian for each child, with a strong commitment to Japanese manufacturing, carefully consulting with artisans one by one.We strive to improve quality so that these dolls can be displayed for a long time, wishing for the healthy growth of children.
**Kyoto Kumihimo Traditional Craftsman**
Tetsuo Hasegawa
**Years of Engagement:** Since 1966 (Showa 41)**Certification Year:** 1988 (Showa 63)**Specialty Technique:** Kumihimo braid making using square and round looms
- Appeared on NHK Educational TV “Oshare Koubou” in 1999- Featured in “Bessatsu Taiyo: Otona no Kyoshitsu” (Learning Kyoto’s Traditional Crafts)- Featured in Kodansha’s “Kyoto o Aruku” (Walking Kyoto)
- In 2009, appeared on KBS Kyoto TV “Kyō no Ippin Monogatari” (Kyoto’s Specialty Stories), currently also broadcast on BS Fuji- In 2012, appeared on Sky PerfecTV’s “Takumi – Master”- In 2014, appeared on NHK Kyoto “Takumi no Tenohira” (Master’s Hands)- In 2015, featured in “Fujin Gaho” magazine “Sumo-do wa, Kimono-michi!” (Sumo Way is Kimono Way!)- In 2015, appeared on NHK BS Prime’s “Ippin: Ito ga Ayanasu Sennen no Bi – Kyoto Kumihimo” (Masterpiece: The Beauty of a Thousand Years Woven by Thread – Kyoto Kumihimo)- In 2016, appeared on NHK World “#31 KUMU: Interlacing”- In 2018, appeared on TBS’s “Wazabit” (Craftsman) “Kumihimo Sensor”
**Notice Regarding Size and Weight:**- Shipping estimate: Ships approximately 10 to 20 days after order acceptance.- Orders for out-of-stock items, made-to-order products, or orders during transportation company or store closures may not arrive by the scheduled delivery date.- Delivery may also be delayed due to weather conditions, land, air, or sea transportation issues.- The dimensions and weight of boxes vary depending on the product.- Our website indicates that small items weigh around 1,000 grams, while large helmets and armor weigh approximately 20,000 grams as a guideline.- The sizes listed on the website correspond to the actual dimensions of the products.