TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI, IDO TAMIO-SAKU, KOH BOH-SAKU, YOICHI

Pure passion and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Unfazed by the latest trends, four craftsmen have long persisted in their own way of making glasses. With almost naive sincerity, they invest themselves daily in each pair, polishing it to completion.
Their passion and pride is commemorated by the inscription of their names in the CRAFTSMAN SERIES.

TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
IDO TAMIO-SAKU
KOH BOH-SAKU
YOICHI

TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
IDO TAMIO-SAKU
KOH BOH-SAKU
YOICHI

TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
IDO TAMIO-SAKU
KOH BOH-SAKU
YOICHI

SERIES 01

TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI

For 50 years he has focused on one material: celluloid. The TAIHACHIRO KINSEI frames that emerge from his hands are made by the traditional "no-core" manufacturing method, and take on an unmistakable warmth and softness through repeated, meticulous polishing.

Disciplined handwork.

Taihachiro Kinsei follows traditional Sabae practices such as the "no-core" method, which purifies design elegance by omitting a reinforcing metal core from the temples, or using rugged 5-tenon hinges fastened to the frame by riveting. These glasses, lovingly made with the user in mind, deserve the KINSEI name -- "made with care."

Taihachiro Kinsei follows traditional Sabae practices such as the "no-core" method, which purifies design elegance by omitting a reinforcing metal core from the temples, or using rugged 5-tenon hinges fastened to the frame by riveting. These glasses, lovingly made with the user in mind, deserve the KINSEI name -- "made with care."

The true essence of polishing and luster.

After slow drying and curing over a three year period, followed by meticulous polishing by the artisan's hands, celluloid reveals its unique deep luster. This can only be achieved by craftsmen who have invested decades perfecting their skill in daily contact with the material.

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SERIES 02

IDO TAMIO-SAKU

In 1963 he chose his father Ido Hisaaki as his master, apprenticing with him for about 10 years. He then continued to devote himself to eyeglass making, mastering many complex processes on his own. His artisanal skills include some traditional methods so old they are no longer even seen or heard of. The sensitive, refined feel of his work conveys restraint and dignity.

From exploration and research
comes refined detail.

Mr. Ido's Ichiyama frames are made with close attention to detail, such as a nose pad height fitted to Japanese faces, traditional asymmetrical hinges,* and outwardly turned temple ends for ease of donning and removal. Ido manipulates massive stationary tools as an extension of his own hands, applying long-cultivated techniques to create fine detail, stripped of all excess. *In asymmetrical hinges, the fastening screws on the left and right face in opposite directions, one up, one down, to assure minimal and equal loosening on both sides over time.

Emotional resonance from human hands.

All the way to brazing on the nose pad support arms, Ido himself performs the many complex assembly steps. To bring out the gloss in sun platinum metal requires three times the normal buffing time. This warm, delicate brightness comes only from the hands of IDO TAMIO, one of Japan's finest metal workers.

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SERIES 03

KOH BOH-SAKU

From the start, Yamazaki wanted to follow in his father Tsuneyuki's footsteps as an eyeglass maker. By now he has accumulated more than 30 years experience. His KOH BOH-SAKU glasses incorporate modern design with traditional techniques, using an old material known as sun platinum. He is a tireless worker with rare technical skill and an attitude toward artisanship expressed by his motto: "keep learning until your last day on earth."

A craftsman's lifelong study

A variety of machines and tools are used for metal pressing, cutting, and other key processes. But final adjustments are made with just a few tools and the sensitivity of the craftsman's eyes and fingertips. This is the most important and exacting step, and cannot be achieved by a machine.

Exquisite finish rooted in long history.

Well known models such as the Sirmont and the Combination were achieved by combining sun platinum metal with celluloid. Yamazaki takes pride in their unequaled high finish, reflecting experience and instincts nurtured over many years.

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SERIES 04

Yoichi

Yoichi Sasaki's filing and polishing techniques are unrivaled in the industry. He achieves the highest level of artisanship, preserving a corner or filing down an edge to better show a corner to impart refinement and ruggedness simultaneously.

Standing at the pinnacle.

Hyper-defined edges (corners) and mirror surface brilliance -- Yoichi's most distinctive hallmarks -- are produced by an extreme shortening of barrel polishing time, followed by hand polishing with a wide variety of tools. His technique is considered the highest in the industry, and results in a true radiance which can only be achieved by craftsman with total knowledge of technique and materials.

Both Technique and Material

Yoichi uses Kaneko's original material, "Kishu Bichotan Blended Acetate." High polishing technique and the blackness of Kishu Bicho charcoal impart an elegant, dignified air and a prominent presence.

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