The origins of Iwayado chests date back to the end of the 18th century. It is said that the lord of Iwayado Castle at the time had his retainers research the commercialization of wooden furniture such as chests with wheels and long chests.
Iwayado, which is now part of Esashi City, was the base of operations for about 30 years until Kiyohira, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan who built the Hiraizumi culture at the end of the Heian period, moved to Hiraizumi. As a result, it has a long tradition of metal casting and woodworking.

• Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques

  1. Wood shall be dried by natural drying and forced drying.

  2. The boards used shall be solid wood. In this case, the thickness of the boards shall be 18 mm or more for the top board, side boards, shelves, support boards, latches, bottom board and base (16 mm or more when used for a "princess chest"), and 6 mm or more for the back board.

  3. Woodworking shall be carried out as follows:
  (1) The box construction of the main body shall be carried out using the following techniques or methods:
  (i) The top panel shall be joined to the side panels by a front-facing dovetail joint of five or more panels, a dovetail joint with a front-facing dovetail, or a dovetail joint with a concealed miter joint; the shelf panels shall be joined to the side panels by a wrap-around mortise and tenon joint, a wrap-around mortise and tenon joint, or a double-sided mortise and tenon joint; the bottom panel shall be joined to the side panels by a dovetail joint of five or more panels or a wrap-around nail joint; and the back panel shall be joined to the side panels by a wrap-around mortise and tenon joint.

  (b) The joining of the support boards to the top board, shelf board and bottom board shall be by a mortise and tenon joint or a double mortise and tenon joint, and the joining of the back board to the support boards shall be by a flat nail joint.

  The back panel shall be joined to the top panel by a mortise and tenon joint, and the back panel shall be joined to the shelf boards and baseboards by a flat nail joint.

   
  (2) The boards used for the drawers shall be solid wood or veneer, and the veneer shall be sawn veneer with a thickness of 3 mm or more. In this case, the members shall be joined by a wrap joint, a wrap joint, a dovetail joint, or a mortise and tenon joint.

   

  (3) When installing doors or sliding doors, the following techniques or methods shall be used:
  (i) In the case of planks, the planks shall be solid wood or veneer with a thickness of 18 mm or more (16 mm or more if used for "princess chests"), and the veneer shall be sawn veneer with a thickness of 3 mm or more. In this case, the members shall be joined by tongue and groove joints.
  (b) In the case of framed items, the thickness of the board material shall be 18 mm or more for frame boards (16 mm or more when used for "princess chests"), and 6 mm or more for panel boards. The frame members shall be joined by miter joints, tongue and groove joints, or miter joints, and the panel boards shall be joined to the frame boards by notched joints or mortise and tenon joints.

   

  (4) When attaching a base frame, the joints of the members at the four corners of the base frame shall be made by a mitered mortise and tenon joint or a wrapped mortise and tenon joint, and the joints of the joists shall be made by a mortise and tenon joint.

   

  4. Painting shall be carried out using the following techniques or methods:
  (1) In the case of wipe-on lacquering, raw lacquer is applied repeatedly, and then a "finish wipe" is performed using refined raw lacquer or transparent lacquer.
  (2) In the case of "Kijiro lacquerware," a base coat is applied using Kurome lacquer, a top coat is applied using Kijiro lacquer or Roiro lacquer, the top coat is sanded, and then "Dōzuri" is performed.

   

  5. The manufacture of metal fittings shall be carried out using the following techniques or methods:
  (1) The thickness of the metal used shall be 0.8 millimeters or more.
  (2) "Chisel carving" is performed by hand using a carving chisel.
  (3) The "hammering" process shall be carried out by hand using a wooden stand and a hammer.
  (4) Hinges, locks, and keys shall be made by hand.
  (5) Hand-drawn shape is formed by hammering the material by hand into the shape of a "warabite," "mokko," "hirute," or "kakute."
  (6) To prevent rust, rub animal fibers onto the heated metal, then apply wax and polish with a cloth.
  (7) The color finish is applied by coating with raw lacquer and baking it.

   

  raw materials

  1. The wood used shall be zelkova, chestnut, paulownia, cedar, elm, ash, Amur cork tree, Japanese ash, Katsura tree, or magnolia, or a material of equivalent quality.

  2. The nails shall be made of "Viburnum" or a material of equivalent quality.

  ３ 漆は、天然漆とすること。

  4. The metal fittings shall be made of iron, copper, or copper alloy.

• Work scene

  Work scene

  Process 1: Tree removal

  The logs, cut from zelkova trees approximately 300 years old that are abundant in the Kitakami Mountains within Iwate Prefecture, are left to age for several years before being milled. Before processing, the milled zelkova lumber is piled up outdoors and exposed to the elements, allowing it to air dry thoroughly over many years. This method of natural drying is called "nozarashi" (exposed to the elements). By exposing the zelkova wood to the elements, the sap is removed, reducing warping and cracking after the chest of drawers is made. Using this zelkova material efficiently and selecting parts according to their intended use is called "kitori" (wood selection).

  Step 2: Cutting and joining

  The selected wood components are processed and assembled. This is a process that requires skilled techniques and is carried out entirely by hand. Joints and tenons for connecting the boards are carved using chisels and saws. After the main body is assembled, the surface is planed to make it smooth.

  

  Step 3: Pre-finishing

  The drawers are made and inserted into the assembled main body. The dimensions of the parts are matched, the joints are processed, the surface is planed, the outer frame of the drawer is assembled, and the bottom plate is attached. The drawers are then planed to fit perfectly into the main body, with no margin of error.

  

  Step 4: Lacquering

  The outside of the chest of drawers is coated with lacquer. This not only makes it look beautiful, but also makes it extremely durable. Over time, the transparency increases, and the chest of drawers acquires a sense of weight and dignity. There are two methods of lacquering: "wipe-on lacquering," where the lacquer is applied with a brush and then polished with a cloth, and "wood wax coating," where the wood grain is sealed with lacquer mixed with polishing powder, then sanded, and finally finished by applying multiple coats of refined lacquer. It is this time-consuming process that brings out the beauty of the zelkova wood grain of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) drawers.

  

  Step 5: Metal fittings production (1) Underpainting

  The decorative metal fittings that characterize IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) come in two types: "hand-hammered carvings" and "NAMBU Tekki (Cast Ironwork) fittings." Here, we will introduce the process of "hand-hammered carving." A design is drawn on a painted iron plate or copper plate and then attached. The designs, such as dragons, Chinese lions, and arabesque patterns, drawn on the designs have been carefully passed down for a long time and continue to be used today.

  

  Step 6: Metalwork Production (2) Engraving

  The design is carved into the back of the board by placing a chisel against it and striking it with a hammer. Lines are then engraved from the front, making the dragons and lions in the picture appear to stand out. Dozens of different chisels are used, all handcrafted by artisans. (The photo shows a chisel shaped like a flower and a chisel shaped like an arc.)

  

  Process 7: Manufacturing of metal fittings (3) Embossing

  The engraved metal plate is hammered from the back to create a raised, three-dimensional effect. The hammering platform used for this process is unique to each craftsman. Each platform is shaped to suit the craftsman's preferences, and how they use it reveals their skill, individuality, and history. The engraved metal fittings are then cut out and filed to finish.

  

  Step 8: Attaching the hardware

  Finally, the metal fittings are attached to the wooden base to complete the piece. The decorative metal fittings are placed in locations that best showcase the patterns. Combined with the translucent elegance of the lacquer, they create an overall sense of gravitas.

  

   

• Close-up

  Close-up

  The zelkova wood grain and the substantial feel of the metal fittings IWAYADO Tansu (Chests)

  IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) chests of drawers are said to have been continuously produced since the Heian period, a time of splendor for the Oshu Fujiwara clan. The beautiful grain of the zelkova wood, which shines through the lacquer, harmonizes with the decorative metal fittings made from countless hammered metal plates, creating a traditional masterpiece that adds color to the lives of those who use it.

   

  The wood grain and metal fittings give it a sense of weight and elegance.

  Stepping inside, one is greeted by a magnificent chest of drawers. The opulent metalwork and the unique grain of the zelkova wood exude an air of refined elegance. IWAYADO Tansu (Chests), a tradition passed down through generations in the northern capital, possess both a dignified presence and practicality. They are traditional chests that combine the skills of masterful woodworking and metalworking.

  

  IWAYADO Tansu (Chests)

  The vibrant decorative metal fittings are a characteristic feature of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests)

  One of the defining characteristics of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) is the exquisite precision and beauty of their decorative metalwork. The vividly crafted metalwork, depicting dragons, tigers, arabesque patterns, pine, bamboo, plum blossoms, and lions, further enhances the elegance of the chests. This type of metalwork is said to have originated in the Bunsei era (around 1820) when a blacksmith named Tokubei devised engraved metal fittings. The origin of the chests of drawers themselves is said to date back to the Kowa era (1100s), when Fujiwara no Kiyohira encouraged the woodworking industry in Hiraizumi, a city that flourished as the northern capital.
  We spoke with Hiroshi Kikuchi, chairman of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) Production Cooperative, about IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) making process, which has been passed down through generations.

  

  When the lion's metal fittings are carefully hammered out, the pattern emerges.

  The power of lacquer to highlight the grain of zelkova wood.

  "The beauty of the zelkova wood grain becomes more striking as time passes," says Mr. Kikuchi. He was greatly drawn to the richness of the zelkova wood grain. Lacquer is essential to bring out the beauty of the wood grain. IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) uses two techniques: "wipe-lacquering," where lacquer is applied, wiped, and rubbed in, and "wood waxing," where transparent lacquer is applied and polished to create a thick layer.
  "We apply the lacquer meticulously and carefully." Applying lacquer greatly enhances both the beauty and durability of the appearance. Even today, Iwate Prefecture is the top producer of lacquer in Japan, and lacquer wiping was also applied to the ruins of Hiraizumi. The zelkova wood used as material was also abundant in the Kitakami Mountains, where high-quality timber was plentiful. "As time passes, the lacquer becomes more radiant. The lacquer coating, which initially appears as a cloudy black, gradually becomes transparent. The reddish hue and grain of the zelkova wood begin to stand out."

  "We want to give life to the zelkova tree."

  Zelkova trees are known for their long lifespans. Although they are now rare, there were once many ancient zelkova trees over a thousand years old in the precincts of shrines throughout Japan. The craftsmen of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) drawn to the grain of the zelkova wood, feel compelled to "give life to the zelkova tree by creating a chest of drawers." Carefully and exquisitely crafted, IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) can last for hundreds of years if cared for properly. The Japanese spirit of cherishing the life of the zelkova tree even after it is cut down, and believing that gods reside in forests and trees, is inherited in the making of these chests.

  

  With heartfelt care for the precious zelkova tree

  Various types of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests)

  Many IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) come in unusual shapes. The wheeled chests, with wheels attached to the bottom, are designed for easy transport. IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) are made with zelkova wood on the outside and paulownia wood on the inside. Paulownia wood is fire-resistant in case of fire and also has natural insect-repellent properties, protecting valuable clothing for a long time. Boat chests were loaded onto ships and used as safes. A particularly unusual type is the staircase chest, which has a step on top and, as its name suggests, was used as a staircase. These diverse uses are a testament to the durability and consistent handcrafted quality of IWAYADO Tansu (Chests).

  

  It is designed with the idea of moving a wheeled chest of drawers in mind.

  The traditional techniques of Michinoku transcend time.

  As people's lives became more prosperous during the Meiji era, IWAYADO Tansu (Chests), known for their sturdiness and beauty, became sought after throughout Japan. They were transported via the Kitakami River and spread to various parts of Tohoku. Since then, despite facing the harsh realities of the times, the company has rigorously preserved its traditional techniques. Today, they offer a range of general-purpose products that can be used by a wide variety of people, meeting diverse needs.
  The world of traditional crafts is struggling with a shortage of successors, but in recent years, the number of young people aspiring to master authentic techniques has been increasing. There are cases of people raised in cities who have decided to move to the area and diligently learn and acquire traditional techniques. IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) are embracing the winds of a new era while fusing them with traditional techniques. This is a tradition of Michinoku (northern Japan) that will continue to be passed down through the 21st and 22nd centuries.

  Craftsman Profile

  Hiroshi Kikuchi

  After gaining 20 years of experience in woodworking, he has 28 years of experience in metalworking. He is a traditional craftsman who has been selected as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman."

  

  Anecdotes

  All metal fittings IWAYADO Tansu (Chests) are original.

   

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    Metal parts hammered out using various metal tools