The Presage Sharp Edged Series adapts the traditional Japanese art of Kabuki theatre to the modern age.
Ever since its introduction in 2020, the creative combination of Japanese culture and modern design has been a central feature of the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series. Two new creations join this series and pay homage to the enduring longevity of Kabuki. These watches have been designed in collaboration with Ebizo Ichikawa, one of Japan's most prominent and influential Kabuki actors.
Kabuki is a dramatic form of theatre which combines music and dance and it is one of Japan’s most quintessential traditional performing arts. It enjoys great popularity and has always reflected the tastes and fashions of the townspeople. With a history stretching back over 400 years, this all-male theatre form has a vast repertoire that is still performed, ranging from ancient pieces that are hundreds of years old right up to brand new theatrical experiments.
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Ebizo Ichikawa. Continuing a family tradition in modern times
Ebizo Ichikawa is a prominent figure in the Kabuki world and is also well known for his work in television and cinema. Born in 1977, Ichikawa belongs to one of the most famous lineages in Kabuki founded by Ichikawa Danjuro I in the 17th century. He will assume his family’s distinguished Danjuro stage name, which is considered to be the most prestigious in Kabuki, in November 2022.
The dial’s reddish-brown persimmon colour is known as Kakiiro and is a traditional Japanese colour that originated with the Ichikawa family who first used it generations ago in their Kabuki costumes. Still today, Kakiiro remains a Kabuki favorite. The Kakiiro dial exhibits a colour gradation that creates a unique sharpness and depth. The dial edge is a darker shade so that the gold colour hands and indexes stand out clearly.
The watches are offered with a leather strap whose back is also Kakiiro. This is a subtle nod to the Edo period when it was forbidden to wear vivid colours in public and so they were only used on the reverse side of garments.
The dials incorporate the Japanese hemp leaf pattern known as Asanoha, which has been used in the fabrics of Kabuki costumes for centuries. Partly thanks to the popularity and influence of Kabuki actors, the Asanoha pattern has long been highly favoured in Japanese fashion and design.
Ebizo Ichikawa sharing his insights in creating the watches’ designs.
The see-through case back of the watch is marked with the words “Limited Edition” and the serial number, and it also allows the wearer to view the automatic mechanical movement working.
The watch is offered in a special box which is gold and black in colour.
