Japanese Materials and Alloys Guide

Japanese Materials and Alloys Guide

September 13th 2025

 

From Porcelain to Shakudō Japanese Materials and Alloys in Art

Japan’s decorative arts are celebrated worldwide for their unrivalled craftsmanship, intricate detail, and imaginative use of materials and alloys. From the soft translucence of porcelain to the rich tones of bronze and the subtle gleam of shakudō, each material carries centuries of tradition, symbolism, and artistry.

This article explores the core materials and alloys used in Japanese art, many of which appear in ceramics, sword fittings, lacquerware, bronzes, and textiles. Understanding these terms adds depth to collecting and helps highlight the ingenuity of Japanese makers.

Animal Glue (膠, Nikawa)

A traditional adhesive made from animal collagen, used in painting, gilding, and lacquerwork. Essential for preparing pigments and surfaces in decorative arts.

Bamboo (竹, Take)

A versatile material symbolising purity and resilience, used in baskets, tea utensils, inrō, and architectural details.

Bronze (銅, Dō)

An alloy of copper and tin, used since ancient times for ritual objects, Buddhist implements, and later Meiji export art. Frequently decorated with gold and silver inlay.

Coral (珊瑚, Sango)

Prized for its vivid red hues, coral was carved into beads, netsuke, and jewellery, often symbolising protection and longevity.

Earthenware (土器, Doki)

The earliest Japanese ceramic material, dating back to the Jōmon period. While functional, it also carried strong decorative traditions in folk pottery.

Enamel (七宝, Shippō)

Meaning “seven treasures,” Japanese enamels were developed to jewel-like brilliance in the 19th century. Cloisonné enamel (on copper or silver) became especially prized for export.

Glass (ガラス, Garasu)

Introduced from the West, Japanese glassware developed in the Edo and Meiji periods. Cut, gilt, and coloured glass reflected both Japanese motifs and European influence.

Gold (金, Kin)

A symbol of purity and immortality, gold was used in leaf, powder, and inlay form. Techniques like nashiji sprinkled gold flakes into lacquer for shimmering surfaces.

Horn (角, Tsuno / Kōra)

Carved into combs, netsuke, and accessories, horn was a durable and versatile organic material.

Iron (鉄, Tetsu)

A core material for samurai armour and sword guards (tsuba). Often lacquered for durability and decorated with relief or inlay designs.

Ivory (象牙, Zōge)

Favoured for netsuke, okimono, and inrō, ivory’s smooth grain allowed for extraordinary carving detail during the Meiji period.

Jade (翡翠, Hisui)

Symbolising purity and longevity, jade was occasionally carved in Japan into sword fittings and ornaments, though more often imported.

Jūgin (純銀, Pure Silver)

Pure silver was widely used for inlays, utensils, and export wares, especially in the late 19th century.

Kuromidō (黒味銅)

A high-copper alloy with a deep black patina, often employed in sword fittings and decorative metalwork.

Lacquer (漆, Urushi)

Made from the sap of the lacquer tree, urushi was valued for its resilience. Techniques such as makie (sprinkled gold) created masterpieces of Japanese decorative art.

Mother-of-Pearl (螺鈿, Raden)

Shimmering shell inlay used on lacquer chests, ceremonial arms, and export wares. The nanban style particularly appealed to European buyers.

Porcelain (磁器, Jiki)

Perfected in the early 17th century under Korean influence. Arita, Imari, and Kakiemon porcelains became highly valued in Europe for their translucent white body and painted decoration.

Rayskin (鮫皮, Samegawa)

Used for sword hilts to provide grip, rayskin’s distinctive pearl-like texture also served as decoration. High-quality examples featured the prized “emperor node.”

Rice Straw (藁, Wara)

Used for crafting tatami mats, bindings, and wrappings. Its durability made it a staple of daily and artistic Japanese life.

Sentoku (仙徳)

A golden-brown alloy of copper, tin, and zinc, prized for mirrors, fittings, and fine ornaments.

Shakudō (赤銅)

A copper and gold alloy with a rich blue-black patina. Popular for sword fittings, netsuke, and fine ornaments.

Shibuichi (四分一)

Meaning “one part in four,” shibuichi is a copper-silver alloy producing shades from grey to slate. Used extensively for sword fittings and decorative inlays.

Shinchū (真鍮)

Japanese brass, valued for its golden tone and used widely in decorative objects, fittings, and inlay.

Silk (絹, Kinu)

Japan’s most luxurious textile, used in garments, braiding, and exquisite embroidery for folding screens and panels.

Suaka (素銅)

Refined pure copper with a warm reddish tone, often enhanced with surface patination.

Tin (錫, Suzu)

A malleable metal often alloyed with copper or used decoratively in inlay work.

Tortoiseshell (鼈甲, Bekkō)

Taken from the hawksbill turtle, tortoiseshell’s amber tones made it popular for combs, inrō, and ornamental accessories.

Washi (和紙)

Traditional handmade Japanese paper, crafted from mulberry bark. Used for lanterns, books, calligraphy, and folding screens.

Wood (木, Ki)

Different timbers carried symbolic and practical value. Paulownia (kiri) was light and insect-resistant, while zelkova (keyaki) was strong and decorative.

Yamagane (山銅)

Unrefined copper containing natural impurities, appreciated for its earthy, rustic patina.

Conclusion

Understanding the materials and alloys used in Japanese art is key to fully appreciating the skill and meaning behind each object. Whether it’s the soft gleam of shibuichi, the strength of iron, or the delicate translucence of porcelain, every material tells part of Japan’s cultural story.

This glossary of Japanese materials and alloys is regularly updated as we continue to expand and refine our research, ensuring collectors have the most accurate and useful resource available.

At Jacksons Antique, we specialise in sourcing fine Japanese works of art that showcase these remarkable materials, offering collectors the chance to own pieces rich in history and culture.

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