A Surface Alive with Sakura — Gold & Silver in Full Bloom This is an original Kyo-Zogan cufflink from the Kyoto Handicraft Center, handcrafted by skilled artisans in our in-house workshop. Featuring the "Sogan" (fully covered) technique, pure 24K gold and sterling silver cherry blossoms are packed tightly across the entire iron surface — creating a breathtaking mosaic of Japan's most beloved flower. The making of each piece: Iron base is precisely engraved with a cloth-weave texture Pure gold and silver are hand-inlaid into the surface Lacquer is applied and kiln-baked, layer by layer The piece is soaked in nitric acid to reveal the design Surface is polished, then delicate shading is added by hand Look closely and you will find each tiny cherry blossom rendered with extraordinary precision — a testament to the patience and mastery of Kyoto's craftsmen. An exceptional gift for men who appreciate Japanese artistry. What is "Kyoto Damascene"? Our damascene craft is known as Kyo Zogan (Kyoto Damascene).Kyo Zogan is a traditional Kyoto handicraft created by carving a cloth-weave inlay texture onto thin iron sheets, inlaying pure gold and silver designs onto the textured surface, applying lacquer over it, and then adding fine hatching onto the gold and silver designs after polishing. Zogan originated in Damascus, Syria, and is said to have been brought to Kyoto in the 8th century via the Silk Road. Over time, the process of carving the cloth-weave texture, inlaying pure gold and silver, applying lacquer, and baking was repeated and refined into the unique technique called Kyo Zogan. After the 16th century, swordsmith families such as Umetada and Shoami advanced the technique for use as ornamentation on swords, developing Kyo Zogan into a refined and elegant art form. When the age of the warriors ended, Zogan began to be used for industrial artworks and personal item decoration. Today, it is highly regarded as one of Kyoto's representative traditional industrial arts. 【Specification】・Material / Design part: Iron, Gold (24K), Sterling silver / The back of the cufflinks: Gold plated (brass nickel base)・Size: W2.0 × H1.3 × D1.5 cm・Weight: 50 g・Made in Japan Product Type: CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIESCollection: FASHION ACCESSORIES > JEWELRYCollection: KYO-ZOGAN (DAMASCENE)