THE ART OF IMONO - Japanese iron casting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ม.ค. 2020
- Kikuchi Hojudo is Japan’s oldest ironcasting company based in Yamagata prefecture. Forged in 1604 during the Edo Period, its craftsmen are famed for producing bespoke iron tea kettles - known as "tetsubin". These tea kettles are more than ordinary household tools however. They are vital elements part of the Japanese tea ceremony. It is believed that water boiled with iron kettles produce a much smoother taste and provides a source of iron which was lacked by many Japanese before mass consumption of beef. Made exclusively using a locally refined iron called "wazuku", it allows the kettles to be extraordinarily thin and rust proof.
Although iron kettles have been largely replaced by electric ones, they have evolved to become status symbols. Kikuchi Hojudo has produced kettles that serve as gifts for generations of Japanese emperors. In fact, during World War 2 the Japanese Imperial Army was so impressed with their iron casting skills and light weight of the metal they ordered the foundry to construct grenade shells. The then 13th generation owner fought in the war and was incidentally assigned a grenade - which he noticed was made at his foundry - for suicide in case of capture. Luckily he survived the war and resumed the business of making kettles after the war ended.
Its current owner, Noriyasu Kikuchi, is the 15th generation owner. While he strives to maintain the artisanal traditions of his previous generations, he has steered the company well through the modern age by creating sleek and chic designs that embodies the Japanese aesthetics of minimalism and functionality. And while the world automates its factories and replaces its workers with robots, Kikuchi does not see a future where they would not continue relying on traditional handcraft skills. It’s a very labour-intensive process that requires dedicated apprentices. But with Japan’s ageing workforce and slow erosion of traditional craft skills, the burden of the company’s future will rest on his 20-year-old son Kenta who will carry on as 16th generation owner.
Special thanks to:
Kikuchi Hojudo staff
Kikuchi family
Judy Evans
Other films from the series:
The Spirit of Noh: • 'The Spirit of Noh 能' ...
Wasabia Japonica: • 'Wasabia Japonica' - A...
The Reluctant Master: • ‘The Reluctant Master’...
The Art of Musk Melon: • ‘The Art of Musk Melon...
The Scent of Sakai: • 'The Scent of Sakai' 堺...
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Gear: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, Zeiss lenses, Black pro mist 1/2, DJI Ronin S & Mavic 2 Pro. Edited with Davinci Resolve.
Music: Licensed from Artlist & Premiumbeat
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'The Japanese Artisan Series' is a non-commercial project by Edwin Lee (Hong Kong) in collaboration with One Ocean Partners (Singapore). It focuses on documenting little-known but highly skilled artisans and tradespeople across Japan centering on themes of tradition and succession. With Japan's ageing population, low birth rate and reluctance of young workers to enter such niche industries, these people's traditional skills are in danger of being lost. - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
I am watching this film because I have had two beautiful iron Japanese works, a bowl and a platter, for many years. I found them in San Francisco, and one still had the label worded "Kikuchi Hojudo." The label looks very, very old--much older than TH-cam! So after all these years I thought to look up the maker on the internet, and I am so grateful I found this story! What the gentleman said is so true--a handmade artifact is a treasure; I will love these pieces as long as I live, and give them to my children. The iron has a soul that seems to glow.
The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous on this, it's like watching cast iron ballet!
Thank you for making these documentaries. They are truly beautiful
I love this, why isn't there more attention?
well, thanks for your attention!
Excellent video keep it up. Thanks for sharing
wow you need more recognition. everything in the vid was high quality, entertaining, and informative. those millions of views will come. keep up the great work!
Very cool documentary. I love it. The quality is amazing and the topic is actually quite interesting.
Beautiful video thanks for your excellent work
Thank you for making these documentaries!
Mille bravos depuis la France !!!
great!! Great work!!
This is amazing !! Thank you !!
Thanks for posting and sharing these great videos, I´ve loved them
So beautiful 🤗
Amazing!
Amazing.
More, more, more Edwin of these japanese 'pictures':-))))
You grap an aspect of japanese spirituality that will always remain unspoken..
You come close..🙂
Thank you!
素晴らしい映像のこのシリーズは、日本人こそ見るべき価値がある。ありがとう
arigato!
Great work!
Superbe! Merci
Son hermosos 🤓, buen video.
Do you know what matte paint is used on these?
Could you do more metalwork crafts?
my very first film in the series is also metalwork, check it out!
Hello thank you for your great video!
Do you happen to have their website, I would love to buy a wazuku iron kettle!
sure it's www.wazuqu.jp/