ORII was established in 1950 by Takejiro Orii, who completed great projects such as the decorations of the Tokyo Imperial Palace Bridge. Now, third generation leader Koji Orii is determined to continue his family business’ legacy by creating modern, handmade crafts with traditional Takaoka techniques. He hopes to bring inspiration and happiness to young and old people from all over the world.
This art uses a traditional coloring technique that creates a new expression on copper and other metal materials. The coloring is not achieved by painting; It is a traditional technique that uses the corrosiveness of copper and brass to control chemicals and flames to produce and endless variation of vivid colors.
ORII
Whereas traditionally craftsmen focused on applying beautiful copper techniques on large sculptures and constructions, ORII decided on a new path by creating a wide range of unique colors, expanding on the traditional colors of Takaoka casting.
Mr. Orii spent years testing new crafting techniques, different than those of his father and grandfather, in order to be able to not only craft large traditional decorations and Buddhist statues, but start focusing on thin plates and his own craft items to attract a wider- and younger audience.
Inspired by the Toyama nature Mr. Orii loves to spend his time in, he creates beautiful natural, vibrant colors combinations. Even with only using a certain number of traditional techniques and materials, he manages to create an endless arrange of colors by applying different tools and by the length of applying certain techniques (e.g. burning longer, or a larger surface).
The ORII colors give a sense of nostalgia as they
represent the traditional metal colors of Takaoka crafting.
Production Process
Step 1: Cook color. The metal is stewed in a saucepan with a mixture of copper sulfate and copper carbonate to develop a "simmering color".
Step 2: Bran-yaki. The dough is coated with bran miso and baked on a burner creating unique patterns.
Step 3: Tetsukan Ohaguro. The careful work of polishing is done with a bundle of "negobouki". Without this broom, the brilliant finish would not be there.
Their aesthetic us based on the concept of Japan's "wabi sabi" (a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.”).
It gives peace and calm to every space and scene.
