手技 TEWAZA「南部鉄器」NAMBU Tekki (Cast Ironwork)／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square

Applying coarse sand first serves the purpose of quickly absorbing gases produced when iron is poured which is why we start with coarse sand The fine old sand that has fallen down is coated with silk paint and when sprinkled it creates delicate patterns This is a quintessential rough pattern characteristic of Minamitetsu ware The fact that the vertical horizontal and diagonal lines are neatly aligned is what truly defines Minamitetsu ware so we take pride in collecting such patterns Apparently there's a story going around that when the fire at Orioka burned down boiling water in a kettle found among the ashes turned out to be remarkably smooth and delicious It is said that the practice of heating the iron kettle over charcoal to develop an oxidized coating began this way The most challenging part is that each craftsman who makes the kettle has their own unique style—what kind of spout they want how it should look it's all different That part inevitably comes through like a personal quirk so it must be something that fits well with the offensive strategy The section known as Kurotsuru is I believe one of the distinctive features of Minamata ironware It's crafted by hammering it into shape wrapping it around an iron plate like a sheet of metal being folded and hammered There are technically challenging aspects to this process It's simply about preserving the overall impression once the main piece is complete I'd be truly delighted if among these unique personal creations the Shōnan ironware could find its special place I think it's about continually keeping in mind that there are users who will ultimately be using it That's precisely why it's endured for 400 years