Production Cost – Chinkin Guitar “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Model

An Art Guitar Adorned with the Beauty of Japanese Tradition

We take your electric guitar and entrust it to a lacquer artist from Echizen, who creates two koi carp by hand using the traditional Japanese lacquer technique of Chinkin.

The deep black surface of the guitar is envisioned as a tranquil body of water, with two graceful koi swimming elegantly across its surface.

The beauty of black lacquer, the brilliance of gold, and the vivid colors of the koi come together in a unique fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the modern electric guitar.

It is designed not only to be played, but also to make a striking presence when displayed as a work of art.

“Play it. Own it. Admire it.”

A truly one-of-a-kind guitar that brings together music, Japanese aesthetics, and traditional craftsmanship.

Koi Carp — A Symbol of Japan

Koi carp are among Japan’s most iconic ornamental fish.

Known for their beautiful colors and graceful appearance, koi are now admired not only throughout Japan but also by people around the world.

In Japan, koi have long been regarded as an auspicious symbol associated with success, prosperity, and advancement in life.

The powerful image of a koi swimming against a strong current is often associated with the strength to overcome difficulties and the determination to move forward toward greater heights.

One of the most famous Japanese expressions associated with koi is “Koi Climbing the Waterfall.”

The image of a koi struggling upstream and climbing a waterfall has long been used in Japan as a symbol of effort, achievement, advancement, and success.

For this reason, koi are more than simply beautiful fish. They can also represent wishes for:

“The hope for success”
“The hope for prosperity”
“The strength to overcome challenges”
“The leap toward a brighter future”

These are values and aspirations that have been cherished in Japanese culture for generations.

The Meaning Behind the Two Koi

This artwork depicts two koi swimming gracefully together across a deep black surface representing tranquil water.

The image of the two koi swimming side by side embodies our wishes for harmony, connection, and a future shared together.

It is a meaningful motif not only as a special piece for yourself, but also as a memorable gift or commemorative piece for an important milestone in life, or for someone whose success you wish to celebrate.

What Is Chinkin?

Chinkin is one of Japan’s traditional lacquer decoration techniques.

Using an extremely fine engraving tool, the artisan carefully carves lines and patterns into the surface of lacquer. Gold powder, colored lacquer, and other materials are then applied into the carved lines to create intricate decorative designs.

The technique requires exceptional precision and years of experience in carving fine lines and beautifully finishing lacquer, gold, and colors. It is a traditional craft in which the skill and sensitivity of the artisan are essential.

For this artwork, a lacquer artist from Echizen carefully transfers the design directly onto the guitar body and carves each line entirely by hand.

The artisan then builds up the gold and colors by hand, creating the texture of the koi scales and the graceful movement of the fish as they swim through the water.

The subtle expressions and warmth created by the human hand are qualities that cannot be reproduced through printing or machine processing.

Because each guitar is individually handcrafted, no two pieces are ever exactly alike.

Transform Your Guitar into a Koi Art Guitar

This product is not the sale of a finished guitar.

We take your own electric guitar and transform it by applying a handcrafted koi design using the traditional Chinkin technique.

Whether it is a guitar you have always loved or an instrument that has special meaning and memories attached to it, we can transform it through Japanese traditional craftsmanship into a truly unique instrument.

Depending on the brand, model, and condition of your guitar, we may not be able to accept the commission. Please feel free to contact us for an initial consultation.

Production Details

Production Method
Your electric guitar will be entrusted to our Echizen lacquerware workshop, where the Chinkin decoration will be carefully handcrafted.

Production Time：Approximately 4 months
Craftsmanship：Echizen lacquer artist
Production：Entirely handcrafted and made to order
Price：JPY 550,000 (tax included)

*The price does not include the guitar itself.
*Depending on the brand, model, and condition of the guitar, we may not be able to accept the commission.
*The guitar will be inspected and its condition confirmed before production begins.

Production Process

STEP 1｜Inquiry & Order
Please provide us with the manufacturer, model, and condition of your guitar.

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STEP 2｜Your Guitar Is Entrusted to Us
Once the guitar has been approved for the process, it will be sent to our designated workshop.

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STEP 3｜Handcrafted by a Chinkin Artist
The koi design is carefully transferred onto the guitar body and each line is engraved by hand. Gold and colors are then applied to complete the intricate details.

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STEP 4｜Completion & Delivery
After approximately four months of craftsmanship, your one-of-a-kind art guitar will be carefully delivered to you.

Japanese Good Fortune and Traditional Craftsmanship, United in One Guitar

The koi symbolizes success, prosperity, and advancement.

Chinkin represents the traditional Japanese craftsmanship of carving and decorating lacquer by hand, line by line.

We have brought these two elements together with the modern electric guitar.

More than an instrument for making music, it is also a work of art that expresses Japanese aesthetics and the skill of the artisan.

Give your cherished guitar a special meaning and a new beauty.

That is the essence of Re Tone’s Chinkin “Koi Model.”