[Kiya's Tweezers]

Kiya's Tweezers, bearing the name of Danjuro. The series name of these tweezers, "Danjuro," is named after the kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro. In Japanese, "tweezers" are referred to as "毛抜き," and the kabuki play of the same name, "毛抜" (Kenuki), exudes a relaxed atmosphere typical of the Genroku era in kabuki theater. It's said that the kabuki play "Kenuki," performed by the second-generation Ichikawa Danjuro at Osaka's Sadojima-za theater, had its debut in January of the second year of Kanpo (1742). On the side of these tweezers, you can find the family crest of the Ichikawa Danjuro household, known as "Mimasu-mon," consisting of three different-sized measuring cups arranged in a bamboo basket, along with the name Danjuro engraved.

These tweezers are crafted in the traditional Japanese style, bending a thin metal plate into a U-shape. In a passage from Sei Shonagon's essay collection "The Pillow Book" during the Heian period, there is a mention of a "rare item" being a silver tweezers that effectively removes hair. This description suggests that metal tweezers were already in existence during the Heian period. In the Edo period, with advancements in blacksmithing and craftsmanship, the material of choice shifted to iron. Nowadays, stainless steel is commonly used, but tweezers made of white bronze, titanium, and precious metals can also be found.

Much like knives and nail clippers, Japanese-made tweezers from Kiya are highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally. Kiya's Tweezers are known for their precision in closing tightly, not cutting the hair, and having a soft spring touch. You can see the actual products on display at their Ginza showroom. Take a closer look at the finely crafted tips created by the skilled craftsmen at Kiya.

Kiya's Tweezers
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kiya/kenuki.html
Ginza Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html

References
http://www.naritaya.jp/naritaya/18/14.php
http://www.robundo.com/robundo/notesontypography/?p=169
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%AF%9B%E6%8A%9C%E3%81%8D
https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/1308767 (一陽斎豊国『鑷　粂寺弾正』 国立国会図書館デジタルコレクション)