Yokichi Konoike, an art and crafts dealer of precious metals, was born in 1848 in Edo (present Tokyo).
He graduated from the Yokohama Municipal High School, known as "Y school" (Y校, ワイこう). In 1890, already trusted
by local customers, he noticed that there were no silverware dealers in Yokohama that foreigners would praise. The same year Konoike
left Tokyo, took all his experience as a silversmith he acquired over the years and moved to Yokohama to found "Y. Konoike" fine arts
workshop (鴻池美術店). The main silver ware factory remained in Tokyo, under the responsibility of a well-known
metalsmith Eisho Kurokawa (黒川栄勝). In addition to the main factory in Tokyo, Konoike opened two smaller factories in
Yokohama. At the time of its opening, the company began selling products that appealed to the tastes of the US Navy sailors, making the first
stage of its development.
A silver flask
After the Russo-Japanese War, the demand for silverware greatly increased. At that time most of the demand for such
items came from Tokyo. Consequently, Konoike started to develop sales channels for products aimed at Japanese people and occasionally advertise
in newspapers and other media. The art silverwork, purchased at the Konoike's workshop, was given as a gift by the Ministry of the Imperial
Household to all the attendants of Prince Arthur of Connaught visit to Japan in 1906.
Known as a manufacturer and seller of precious metal works of art, his products not only met the demand in the city, but over the
years he expanded his business to include overseas orders, and has become one of the most famous shops in Yokohama. Konoike's company produced
tea sets, vases, bowls, toilet sets, cigarette cases, writing sets and other items of everyday use. In London his products were retailed by Liberty & Co.
Yokichi Konoike's belief was to compete on quality rather than on price, even if the profit is low; the trust and recognition will increase with time.
Participated in the following exhibitions (incomplete list):
1893: The World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago, USA).
1900: The Exposition Universelle of 1900 (Paris, France). Honorable Mention.
1905: Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition (Portland, USA).
1905: Liege International (Liege, Belgium).
A pure silver cigarette case made in high relief and depicting the Mizuchi, a legendary water serpent or dragon. Stamped 鴻池 ("Konoike") on the inside.
Early 20th century. From the collection of Chris Penry.
