K. Uyeda (1884-present)
The K. Uyeda shop (植田商店, Uyeda Shoten), founded in 1884 by Uyeda Kichigoro (植田吉五郎), is one of Japan’s oldest established silversmiths still in operation today. Originally, the shop specialized in Satsuma ware vases and plates, but over time, it expanded its product line to include silver tableware and everyday items that became popular with foreign customers. In 1922, the shop relocated to the Yarakucho neighborhood near Tokyo’s Ginza district and also opened a store in the prestigious Imperial Hotel Arcade, designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. However, in 1923, the Great Kanto earthquake devastated much of Tokyo and Yokohama, including Uyeda’s store. By 1925, the business was rebuilt and resumed operations. In the early 1930s, Kichigoro’s sons, Uyeda Fujiro and Uyeda Yoshimi, took over the family business.
Japanese Silver Box by Komyo who worked under the K. Uyeda brand available at Jacksons Antique
Before and just after World War II, K. Uyeda was primarily known for its silver tableware and everyday items. However, by the late 1950s, the company began to shift its focus towards cultured pearls and pearl jewelry. In 1973, Kichigoro’s grandson, Uyeda Shintaro, introduced Italian jewellery to the product lineup, which was quite novel in Japan at the time. By the 1980s, the company had fully transitioned to specialising in pearls and jewellery, eventually rebranding itself from “K. Uyeda” to “Uyeda Jeweller.” Today, the company continues to operate out of the Imperial Hotel Arcade in Tokyo, under the leadership of Kichigoro’s great-grandson, Tomohiro Uyeda (植田友宏). Uyeda Jeweller is now known for its high-quality jewellery made from pearls, precious metals, and gemstones.
We would like to credit and thank Dr. Georgiy Shoulga. of http://www.smokingsamurai.com/ for his extensive research on Uyeda Shoten.