Toru Kaneko is a silversmith specialising in objects and jewellery made in various metals with unusual patinations.

From ancient cast bronze bells to finely smithed samurai swords, metal has always played a significant part in the world of Japanese art and design. Unique patinating and surface anodising techniques, gold and silver inlay, and mysterious combinations of copper, gold and silver, have contributed to the high standing of Japanese metalwork in the Western world.

Kaneko Toru seeks to challenge the perception of metal as cold and inflexible. His work in silver in particular is soft, reminiscent of peaking egg whites, shimmering in hand beaten textured surfaces, and delicate to the touch in the masterful way he controls the threatening vacuum between thin sheets of silver. He creates exotic textures and coloured surfaces in large works, silver plating and oxidizing tin, enamelling metal a brilliant white, playing with copper oxide to create a deep aqua on shapes that delight the eye.

“My heart sees through the seemingly harsh cold surface of metal to reveal its hidden inner sensuality. Challenging perceptions of its nature and form, I wish my work to bring the fascination of metal to the widest possible audience.” — Toru Kaneko