A Study of Traditional Decorative Metal Techniques of Japanese Craftsmen

FAIN: FT-10702-70

Alvin K. Ching
California State University, Fullerton (Fullerton, CA 92831-3599)

Research on traditional decorative metal techniques of Japanese craftsmen. Fellow to make detailed visual and written records of Japanese metalsmiths at work in their studios in Japan, organized in a form suitable for use in the classroom or by fellow artists. American jewelry and metal craftsmen have traditionally worked with smooth surfaces, probably as a result of a strong Scandanavian influence. They are becoming increasingly interested in surface enrichment--inlays, incrustations, alloys, casts, etc.--at which the Japanese craftesmen excel. American craftsmen and art students usually have contact with the finished product with no records of how the Japanese craftsman works. Fellow has already had contacts with Japanese craftsmen. Although he does not speak Japanese, he has friends in Japan who have offered to interpret and to help make contact and set up interviews with leading Japanese artists in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niigata.