Check out these articles
-
Video article 3:50
Kabazaiku: A Traditional Japanese Woodworking Craft of Utilizing the Most Exquisite Cherry Bark. Each Product Is Hand Crafted by Skilled Artisans, Using All-Natural Ingredients in Akita, Japan
Traditional Culture- 281 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
Iga Kumihimo: This Braided Cord Craft From Mie Prefecture Became a Hot Topic After Being Featured in the Popular Animated Film "Your Name." The Beautiful Designs Braided With Precise Techniques Are a Work of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 296 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:00
Traditional Maki-e Lacquerware - Discover the Skills of Master Craftsmen Who Have Cultivated Their Skills Through Years of Hard Work!
Traditional Crafts- 61 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:12
Koshu Inden - A Beautiful Craft Using Lacquered Deer Leather. Discover Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship With These Amazing Artisans in Kofu, Yamanashi!
Traditional CraftsHistory- 155 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:35
Enjoy Japanese Kimono Culture With "Yuki Tsumugi," a Traditional Japanese Craft! The Beautifully Designed and Supremely Comfortable Kimonos, Made by Hand With Time and Care, Are Truly Luxurious!
Traditional Crafts- 145 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
Valuable Footage of "Inami Wood Carving"- A Traditional Handicraft of Toyama Prefecture. The Sculptures Created by These Craftsmen Are the Pride of Japan's Art!
Traditional Crafts- 390 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:43
Okeya Kondo's Yoshino Cedar Sake Cups: Made in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture With Domestic Materials Sure to Make Your Sake Taste Better. A Must-Have for Those Who Enjoy Sake!
Traditional Crafts- 61 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:58
Edo-Kiriko – Works of Art That Shine Like Jewels. A Closer Look at the Charm of This Traditional Craft of Tokyo, Which Can Cost Millions of Yen or More, and How It's Made!
Traditional CraftsAction & Adventure- 390 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:31
Gifu Wagasa: A Beautiful Skill Passed Down Through Generations. A Look at the Danger and Possibility of This Important Cultural Tradition of Gifu, Dying Out
Traditional Crafts- 150 plays
- YouTube
Traditional Japanese Crafts: Akita Woodworking. The History and Culture of Japanese Craftsmen Culminate to Create Beautiful Works of Art in Akita Prefecture
Akita's Traditional Cedar Buckets and Barrels
This time, we'll introduce how Akita's traditional Japanese crafts, cedar buckets and barrels, are made.
The origin of making craft arts using Akita cedar dates back to before the Edo period (1603A.D.-1868), and after hundreds of years of craftsmanship, a skilled traditional culture had been established.
Industry in Akita's winter months is harsh, as it is covered in deep snow.
Because of this, the people developed woodworking skills, and they mastered the process of making everyday households goods.
Because of the high quality and the beautiful appearance of these goods, they have become popular as souvenirs as well.
There are many different types as well, not only cedar barrels, but also candy dishes, flower vases, sake barrels, beer mugs, sushi buckets, bathtub buckets, umbrella stands, wooden containers for cooked rice, and more.
Many are sold online as well.
You can have a look at completed versions of these goods at 4:00 in the video.
You can see how the traditional craft is made in the video.
The amazing footage is not something you get to see everyday.
What Is Akita Cedar?
The production process of Akita cedar crafts by proficient artisans is shot at a workshop in Odate, Akita.
At 1:03 in the video, the artisan describes how Akita cedar is know for its "good color softness, and pleasant fragrance.
It can be said that Akita cedar crafts are a suitable material to make a container for preserving foods and daily products.
The rich forest in Akita, covered in deep snow, has made the woodworking culture of Akita flourish.
Traditional Japanese Crafts- Akita Woodworking
1. Cutting panels (0:44).
Artisans cut the log to the correct size, and chop the dried materials with various tools.
This process is important to make the side of the finished products.
2. Formatting panels
The tool to shave the planks is called a "sen" (銑).
This technique is derived from traditional Japanese sword crafting.
3. Fine planing the panels (1:41)
The craftsman describes how the "bonded surfaces with no gaps and precise angles are what give the container its integrity."
Of the steps in the production process, this is the most important.
This delicate step relies on expert handling, experience, and muscle memory.
This is where you see the truly amazing skills of Japanese artisans shine.
4. Assembling the panels (2:05)
Since Akita's traditional wood-works are often used as everyday tools that hold necessities, such as water and other liquids, bamboo nails are used.
If you iron nails are used to join the boards, they would rust and eventually break.
After the boards are joined, metal hoops are fitted on both the inside and outside surfaces to keep it stable.
After the panels are tightened, the metal hoops are removed.
5. Fitting the hoops (3:11)
A groove is carved out to fit the bottom hoop. Several hoops are fitted on the barrel and firmly tightened.
6. Bottom plate adjustments (3:30)
The last fine adjustments are made on the bottom plate, removing more gaps, and sanding it the surface is smooth.
This traditional Japanese craft truly displays the depths of Japanese craftsmanship.
Summary of Akita Woodworking
What did you think?
Did you enjoy watching the precise craftsmanship of these skilled artisans?
These artisans do not take their craft lightly, and as you saw in the video, every step in the process is carefully executed to ensure the highest level of quality.
When cutting planks from a log, each plank is categorized as either straight grain or cross grain, based on it's appearance.
Each type is properly used for both aesthetic purposes and practicality.
The "Akita Woodworking Summit" sponsored by the Akita University Cooperative Society, was held at the Akita Castle ruins near the university in 2019.
Many people were able to experience the beauty of Akita woodworking and the skills of traditional artisans.
Consider picking up your own traditional Akita woodworking goods and experience the profound culture of Japanese artisans.
【Official Website】JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE
https://kougeihin.jp/en/
-
Video article 2:45
The Gorgeous Carp Streamers of Kazo Saitama; One of the Few Carp Streamer Towns in Japan. The History of These Handmade Crafts and How They're Made!
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture Japanese Celebrities- 376 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:00
Uetsu Shinafu: A Traditional Craft of Yamagata Prefecture with Which You Can Feel the Beauty of Ancient Japanese Culture. Don’t Overlook These Exquisite Woven Works of Art That Remind Us of Days Past
Traditional Crafts- 118 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:42
Echizen Lacquerware Is a Work of Art That Adds a Touch of Sophistication to the Dining Table! A Look at the Traditional, High-Quality Craft That Has Been Handed Down in Fukui Prefecture for More Than 1,400 Years!
Traditional Crafts History- 145 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
Kumamoto Prefecture's Traditional Craft "Higo Zogan" Is a Work of Art! To Think That Iron Can Be Shaped to Be This Beautiful! Check Out the Renowned Craftsmanship of Japan!
Traditional Crafts Japanese Celebrities- 161 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:18
Introducing Tohoku's Most Ancient Traditional Craft, Aizu-Hongo Ware. The Works, Made by Skilled Potters in Fukushima, Are More Than Mere Pottery - They're Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 323 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:08
Kirikane: A Japanese Technique That Uses Gold Leaf to Draw Patterns on Buddhist Decorations. Check Out the Beautiful Craftsmanship in These Works of Art Created by Highly Skilled Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 284 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
Iga Kumihimo: This Braided Cord Craft From Mie Prefecture Became a Hot Topic After Being Featured in the Popular Animated Film "Your Name." The Beautiful Designs Braided With Precise Techniques Are a Work of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 296 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:35
Enjoy Japanese Kimono Culture With "Yuki Tsumugi," a Traditional Japanese Craft! The Beautifully Designed and Supremely Comfortable Kimonos, Made by Hand With Time and Care, Are Truly Luxurious!
Traditional Crafts- 145 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 18:53
Edo Moku-Chokoku Wood Carving Is a Traditional Craft of Tokyo. The Sculptures Are Known for Their Intricate Designs and Elegant Beauty. Even Now, Highly-Skilled Craftsmen Continue To Preserve This Important Japanese Culture
Traditional Crafts- 54 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 37:28
The Inkan – A Crucial Item for All of the Important Events in Your Life, and an Essential Part of Japanese Culture. In This Article, We'll Hear From the Inkan Craftsmen Who Skillfully Carve the Complicated Designs for Inkan!
Traditional Crafts- 18 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:28
Pewter - A Craft Produced by Master Artisans That Has Been Passed Down for Generations in Japan. A Close Look at One Pewtersmith Who Respects the Tradition of His Craft and a Look at His Beautiful Works
Traditional Crafts- 12 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:59
Kokeshi Dolls, With Their Cute Appearance and Expressions, Are Very Popular as Souvenirs and Collectibles Overseas! A Look at Kokeshi Craftsmen and Their Dedication to the Traditional Japanese Craft of Miyagi Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 182 plays
- Vimeo
Comment