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- 425 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- 83 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- 244 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- 195 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
The “Iga braid” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, has been the talk of the town since the popular animated film Iga Kumihimo” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, which became the talk of the town after the popular animated film ”Kimi no na wa. The intricately hand-woven designs are truly works of art! The valuable work process is also introduced in the video.
Traditional Crafts- 510 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:43
Yoshinosugi goupon made by traditional craftsmen of Okeya Kondo in Kyoto, Japan, is a work of art! A video introduction to crafts from Yoshino-cho, Nara Prefecture, that make sake taste great!
Traditional Crafts- 98 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:31
Gifu Wagasa" is a beautiful work of art created by the meticulous handwork passed down to traditional craftsmen! Craftsmen in the Kano district of Gifu City, Gifu City, Gifu City, tell us about the crisis of lack of successors.
Traditional Crafts- 254 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:35
Aizu Paper Mache Akabeko - With Its Impressive Bright Red Coloring, This 400-Year-Old Folk Art of Aizu, Fukushima Is a Craft That Clearly Shows the Craftsman's Attention To Detail
Traditional CraftsCelebrities- 579 plays
- Vimeo
-
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- 387 plays
- Vimeo
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 4:55
The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
Traditional Crafts History- 969 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:51
Nanbu Tekki Ironware Has Over 400 Years History, Can Be Used for Life, and Is a Very Popular Item Among Foreigners! It Also Acts as an Iron Supplement and Is Good for Your Health. Let’s Take a Look at the Traditional Japanese Product from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture!
Traditional Crafts- 226 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 13:11
Sword Polishing Is a Highly Difficult Type of Craftsmanship for Maintaining Japanese Swords. A Look at the Uncompromising Techniques That Go Into Restoring Japan's Historical Swords
Traditional Crafts- 652 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
Animation of the work process of traditional craft "Iwa Sculpture"! See the works of art and artwork created by craftsmen in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, the town of wood carving!
Traditional Crafts- 608 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:48
The skill of the bonsai master of "Kisshoen" in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture! The world of craftsmanship is shown in this video! See the art of fusion of the natural beauty of materials and human skill!
Traditional Crafts- 225 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- 457 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:09
Rare video showing the working process of Takaoka Bronzes, a traditional craft of Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. 400 year old crafts are popular as works of art and fine arts in the world.
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 711 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:30
Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls - Learn About the Skills of Traditional Kokeshi Doll Makers From Miyagi Prefecture and their Craft That Has Been Delivering Smiles to Children for Years!
Traditional Crafts- 235 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- 387 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 19:33
Glass beads left at Byodoin Temple in Kyoto were restored by Izumi Dragonfly Ball craftsmen in Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture! The brightly colored dragonfly beads are a “universe in glass!
Traditional Crafts- 307 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:47
Meet the Craftsman That Has Been Crafting Intricate Bunraku Puppet Heads for 40 Years! This Interview With an Awa Deko Ningyo Puppet Maker Will Make You Fall in Love With Ningyo Joruri!
Traditional Crafts- 425 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:41
Exploring the World of Ningyo Joruri - Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater. Discover the Amazing Process of Creating These Priceless Works of Art Made by Skilled Puppeteers!
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture- 337 plays
- YouTube
Comment