The history of Takaoka copperware began in 1611 under feudal patronage. Some of the general items produced were bells, lanterns, farming tools, and pots and pans. In the late Edo era small copper decorations and implements for Buddhist altars were produced in large volumes. Many masters of metal inlay work emerged, and artistic copperware flourished. The works of Kanamori Soshichi received a prize at the Vienna Expo held in 1873, bringing international attention to Takaoka copperware.