The art of Chokin (metal chasing) dates back to the 6th century when craftsmen began using it to decorate shrines and temples. Later, artisans used metal chasing techniques to decorate samurai amours, swords, and helmets. Chokin encompasses a variety of decorative techniques including carving with chisels, piercing, inlaying of other metals, and hammering relief patterns. In the 18th century, Chokin techniques evolved by incorporating Katakiri-chokoku (half-cut carving) techniques, enabling artisans to mimic the brush strokes of Japanese paintings in carved metal form. Chokin has been designated as a traditional craft by the Governor of Tokyo.