Tsugaru Nishikiseki (Aomori Prefecture) [Famous Japanese Stones]

TUGARU Brocase stone

Tsugaru Nishiki Stone

Nishiki stone is a colorful, patterned stone found in Aomori Prefecture that contains two or more colors, and is a generic name that reflects this characteristic.
The area where it is produced is wide and there are many different types.
Its beauty, which touches people's hearts and gives a sense of freedom, was officially recognized as a traditional craft of Aomori Prefecture in 1996.
They are made from various minerals such as jasper, chalcedony, and agate, and the colors and patterns vary depending on the minerals they contain, so it is not easy to find the same piece.
They are collected and washed up on rivers and beaches as boulders.
Tsugaru Nishiki stone dating back approximately 4,000 to 5,500 years ago has been excavated from Jomon period ruins, along with ornaments such as magatama.
During the Edo period, it was also popularly used for hairpins and obi clasps, and the techniques for processing Nishikiseki were passed on to Yamanashi Prefecture, where it is said to have laid the foundation for technological innovation in Yamanashi crystal processing.