Metal engraving bears a long history, the technology behind the process originating in the late Kofun period (mid-to-late 6th century). Taking on the techniques of the machibori school (a style of metal engraving that featured novel, liberal designs that began during the Genroku era [1688-1704] in contrast to those of the iebori style hailing from Kyoto in the Muromachi period [1336-1573]), Tokyo chokin works feature a variety of painstakingly crafted designs made with a single chisel, bringing out the inherent character of the materials, making for works that have both elegance and significance.