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About Edo Tortoiseshell

Outline of Edo Tortoiseshell

1.About Edo Tortoiseshell

Edo tortoiseshell is a traditional craft product mainly produced in Tokyo, made of a sea turtle shell called Hawksbill Sea Turtle which inhabits the southern country's sea.

2Features of Edo Tortoiseshell

Pinzoes and combs made by processing Turtle's shells have a pale yellowish white shine and are characterized by their beauty and good touch.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle's shell can be processed freely by applying heat, so you can make various products.

It is now a very valuable stuffing.

Material of Edo tortoiseshell

1.Hawksbill Sea Turtle's shell

Hawksbill Sea Turtle, the material of Edo tortoiseshell, is a sea turtle that lives only in hot places near the equator of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Indian Ocean, and the big ones are 180 cm in length and 200 kg in weight.

The ingredients of Edo tortoiseshell are the backs of the timothy and the stomach, and the nails.

History of Edo Tortoiseshell

The history of tortoisesmanship is very old, and it is clear also from the fact that some instruments using Hawksbill Sea Turtle's shell are left also at Shosoin in Nara.It was around the 16th century when the manufacturing technology of tortoiseshell was passed to Nagasaki via Korea.
It is said that the Edo tortoiseshell began as it became possible to make complicated shapes by transferring the technique of bonding to Edo in the Genroku period.

At that time, as the turtle was considered a lucky sign as a sign of longevity with the crane,hairpin and combs etc were loved by various lords.

Long necklace combining tortoiseshell and pearl

Modern Edo Tortoiseshell

1.History of Edo Tortoiseshell

Tortoises, which has played a role as a decorative item for people of high social status since ancient times, has become widespread as a daily necessity along with the times into the lives of ordinary people.
In modern times, demand as a familiar accessory such as a necklace is increasing.

2.Adapted to modern needs

While keeping traditional manufacturing methods, products that match the needs of the times have been created one after another.
Tortoisesshell are deformed into various shapes by heat, so they are also very useful as materials for accessories of complex designs.

3.Future Edo tortoiseshell

Currently, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, the raw material of Edo tortoise, They use inventory remaining that was imported by the end of 1992 because international trade is prohibited by the Washington Convention.
Research on aquaculture in various parts of the world is progressing, but it is thought that it will take many years before stable supply is made.

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