The technology for metalworking with pewter is said to have been brought to Japan 1200 to 1300 years ago at the same time as tea was introduced to the archipelago. While tough against erosion and being able to conduct heat well, pewter also has excellent heat insulation and was rumored to improve the taste of water, meaning that it was popularly used in tea, sake and other drinking utensils for a long time. “Rokuro-hiki” – wherein melted-down pewter is formed and finished by being casted into a mold and planed on a lathe – and “hyoumen soushoku” – the usage of techniques such as applying hammered patterns or lacquering – are the cornerstone processes of traditional pewter craftsmanship.