In the early Kamakura period, carpenters and cabinetmakers were invited from the Kamakura and Kyoto regions to build shrines and temples. MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) we see today is a continuation of those techniques.
MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) flourished because of the abundant forest resources located on the prefectural border and the Hatsukaichi area's role as a center for the collection and distribution of timber.

• Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques

  1. In the case of "turned wood," the following techniques or methods shall be used:
  (1) The woodworking process involves rough turning using a lathe and a lathe plane, followed by crack prevention and drying.
  (2) The woodworking process involves rough turning on a lathe using a rough finishing plane, then finishing turning on a lathe using a finishing plane and a flat scraper, and finally polishing.

   

  2. In the case of "carved objects," one of the following shall apply:
  (1) For tray products and stand products, the following techniques or methods shall be used:
  (i) Wood preparation involves rough carving, crack prevention, and drying.
  (b) For the wood finish, the carving is done using only a round trowel, a flat scraper, and a round scraper, followed by a final polish.
  (2) In the case of ladle products, the following techniques or methods shall be followed:
  (i) When cutting the wood, use a splitting knife or a "front saw" to make small pieces so that the grain of the wood is visible on the surface of the product.
  (b) Wood preparation involves using a hand axe to perform "rough lumber preparation" and "rough lumber finishing."
  The woodworking process involves hollowing out the "face" using a horizontal plane, a vertical plane, and a flat scraper, then finishing the "back" using a finishing plane and a round plane, and finally finishing the "handle" using a small knife, a curved sole plane, a flat scraper, and a handle end plane, followed by a final polish.

   

  3. If carving is to be done, it must be done by hand.

   

  4. If coloring is to be applied, use "rust-color dye".

   

  5. When painting, use raw lacquer and apply it by wiping.

   

  raw materials

  1. The wood used (excluding that used for ladle products) shall be zelkova, Japanese cherry, Japanese pine, mulberry, maple, Japanese pagoda tree, mountain cherry, chestnut, Japanese ash, horse chestnut, or persimmon.

  2. The wood used for the ladle products shall be mulberry, Japanese cherry, Japanese pagoda tree, Japanese walnut, horse chestnut, mountain cherry, Japanese ash, or magnolia.

  ３ 漆は、天然漆とすること。

   

• Work scene

  Work scene

  Carved wooden ladle

  Process 1: Tree removal

  Just like with turned wood, the surface of the logs piled up in the open is examined, and logs suitable for the type of wood, intended use, and dimensions of the product to be manufactured are selected. The cutting points are determined with the finished ladle in mind, and marks are made on the surface with a handsaw. Along these marks, the log is cut with a saw to create end grain pieces, ensuring the cut surface is flat. Marks are made on the end grain to preserve the wood grain and ensure a good yield of ladles. A splitting hatchet is placed on the marked end grain, and the log is split into smaller pieces with a mallet. After that, the unnecessary parts are shaved off with a hand axe.

  

  工程2： 乾燥

  Dry it in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Take care to prevent cracking and mold, and let it air dry naturally for about 1-2 years.

  

  Step 3: Hollowing out

  The dried wood is fixed to the workbench, and to create the curved shape of the face of the rice ladle, it is first planed horizontally with a cross-planing plane. At this time, the curve of the plane is adjusted according to the degree of curvature. For large decorative ladles, the workbench is not used, and the work is carried out by using different sizes of planes. Next, in order to remove the marks from the cross-planing plane, it is planed vertically with a rip planing plane. After removing the marks from the entire face, a scraper is used to plane along the grain to make it smooth. Next, the back is shaped by planing it to create a rounded shape along the grain using a rough back plane. This process of planing the back down to the specified thickness requires many years of experience and intuition. The surface of the back is then smoothed with a finishing plane, following the grain. Once the face and back are finished, the edges are rounded with a rounding plane.

  画像をクリックすると動画が再生されます

  Step 4: Pattern making

  Next, we move on to the handle. Place the end of the handle against the workbench and use a small knife to shave the point where the face and handle meet, shaping the neck of the handle. At this time, be careful to shave while maintaining a balance between the face and the handle. Next, remove the corners and roughly shape the back with a half-curved plane to create a curve. After that, use a round-curved plane to shave without going against the grain, shaping it into a beautiful line and a shape that is easy to grip. Round off the corners of the neck and handle to make them smooth.

  

  Process 5: Polishing

  The entire ladle is polished with sandpaper to completely remove any plane marks or reverse grain. This polishing process is repeated four times, and then it is rinsed with water to remove the polishing dust. After that, the polishing is repeated about three more times.

  

  Step 6: Wipe

  After polishing, the ladle is coated with vegetable oil using a cloth, left for another day, and then wiped dry with a cloth to complete the process.

  

  Lathe work (turned wood)

  Process 1: Tree removal

  After inspecting the surface condition of the piled-up logs, we select logs that match the type, intended use, and dimensions of the products we will be manufacturing, and remove any debris from the logs with a scrubbing brush. Next, we saw the logs to the appropriate thickness according to the intended use and size of the products. Then, to prevent discoloration of the wood, we let it air dry for 2 to 3 months in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

  Step 2: Molding

  The wood planks are inspected for knots, cracks, and warping, and a circle is drawn to the appropriate size for the product. The wood is then sawn along the drawn circle. At this stage, the presence or absence of wood grain is the top priority in order to make the most of the wood grain.

  Process 3: Rough grinding

  We create the prototype for the product. The circular piece of wood is placed on a lathe and rotated. Using 10 different roughing planes, we shape it slightly thicker than necessary to account for shrinkage and warping during drying, and then refine the outer shape.

  Step 4: Crack prevention

  After rough sawing, to prevent cracking on the end grain, which dries out more easily than other sides, paper is glued to the end grain or melted wax is applied with a brush.

  工程5： 乾燥

  The crack-prevented wood is left to dry for over a year.

  Step 6: Rough grinding

  After roughly shaping the wood placed on the lathe, crack prevention is applied again. Then, it is dried once more.

  Step 7: Finishing grind

  Next, we'll use 10 to 16 different finishing planes to smooth the outer surface.

  Step 8: Finishing polish

  Polish using horsetail or sandpaper. After watering with a brush and polishing with water, polish with a cloth. Repeat this process 4-5 times.

   

• Close-up

  Close-up

  MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork), cultivated in the scenic Miyajima of Aki Province.

  At high school baseball games, it's a familiar sight to see high schools from Hiroshima clacking rice paddles together in the stands as they cheer. This is a superstition, as the sound of clapping rice paddles sounds like "meshi" (to get rice). These rice paddles are made in Miyajima, Aki Province, and are a type of MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork).

   

  The art of woodworking rooted in Miyajima, the island of the gods.

  Miyajima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, is a legendary island where the guardian deity of the sea has been worshipped since prehistoric times, and the island itself has been revered as a sacred object. When Empress Suiko ascended to the throne, she had a shrine built on this site. For over a thousand years since then, Miyajima has walked hand in hand with Itsukushima Shrine. The origins of MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork), nurtured in the ancient history of Miyajima, are said to have begun with five-colored chopsticks and colored toothpicks. These were auspicious items related to the rituals of the shrine.
  Originally, as an island of the gods, farming and weaving were prohibited on Miyajima. In return, the islanders were exempt from taxes. It seems that many of the islanders were involved in mountain work such as firewood making. During religious ceremonies and festivals at Itsukushima Shrine, markets were held, and MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork), made from the abundant wood available on the island, were created as souvenirs for the many visitors.

  

  Miyajima in Aki Province: "Itsukushima Shrine, where the vermilion color stands out beautifully against the deep blue sea."

  Miyajima rice paddle, born from the biwa (lute) of Benten (goddess of fortune).

  Seishin, who became a monk on Miyajima Island, devised a ladle based on the shape of the biwa (lute) held by Benten (the goddess of martial arts) during the Kansei era (1789-1800), and taught the technique to the islanders. Seishin imbued the everyday ladle with the story of Benten, creating the Miyajima ladle as a lucky charm and a new souvenir. This led to a flourishing of woodworking, and techniques such as lathe work, carving, and engraving were passed down. As time passed, with the opening of the railway in the Meiji era, the number of tourists increased, and sales channels expanded. During the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars, many soldiers gathered in Ujina, Hiroshima, from all over the country and visited Miyajima Island, praying for their safety and purchasing these lucky ladles and MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) as souvenirs. In this way, the name of MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) became known throughout Japan. MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) became widely loved and appreciated, not only domestically but also through exports overseas.

  

  Miyajima Ladle: "There are various types of ladles to suit different purposes."

  MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) that makes the most of the characteristics of wood

  MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) includes not only this ladle, but also "Miyajima carving," a type of wood carving applied to trays and confectionery containers; "lathe work," where trays, confectionery containers, and tea coasters are made on a lathe; "carved pieces," where square trays and other items that cannot be made on a lathe are handcrafted; the adorable "deer and monkey doll," depicting a monkey perched on the back of a deer; and the simple "Miyajima ware." In all of these woodworking projects, the characteristic feature is that they make the most of the natural texture and grain of the wood. In particular, in lathe work and carved pieces, making the most of the wood grain is the top priority. Furthermore, in response to changes in lifestyles, they are constantly challenging themselves with new designs. While preserving the traditions and characteristics of MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork), they are also actively working to improve their techniques and develop new products, and they hold exhibitions.

  

  Lathe-turned craftsmanship: "Products made using a lathe that showcase the natural wood grain."

  The most important thing is knife making.

  Takahashi, a lathe craftsman, has been in this profession for 55 years, having started at the age of 15. He says that the thing he pays the most attention to is making blades. "The difference in skill lies in how you handle the blades. If you force a dull blade to cut, it will just tear. You have to make the blades yourself. I use about 10 different types of blades to make one thing." When he first started, his predecessor made the blades for him, but eventually he began to make blades that were easy to use and suited to his own style. He says that his predecessor never praised him directly during his lifetime, but it seems that his mother secretly boasted about her son to him. Takahashi smiles fondly as he remembers his late father, and his warm personality shines through.

  

  "Detailed work using different types of blades."

  Playing a part in creating the artwork, my hobby is mountain climbing.

  "Making those blades and turning wood requires concentration. You can't make anything good if you're irritated." When that happens, he takes up his hobby of mountain climbing to clear his head. Walking in the mountains of Miyajima, where the nature of his hometown remains, he naturally feels relaxed. "When you're relaxed, you can make good things. Wood is something that brings peace and warmth. If I don't have that myself as the one making it, it will be conveyed to the person who uses it." Takahashi smiles as he recounts how happy he was when someone complimented him, saying, "There is warmth in your work, Mr. Takahashi." "When I climb mountains, I'm always moved by the beauty of nature. I can use that in my work." His eyes, as he talks about the charm of the mountains, shine like a young boy's. This flexible and keen sensibility is surely the origin of his continued creation of beautiful lathe-turned woodwork.

  

  "Hiking in the mountains is how I unwind," says Takahashi.

  Craftsman Profile

  Momotaro Takahashi

  Traditional craftsman, Hyakutaro Takahashi. He began learning woodturning from his father when he was 15 years old. A veteran with 55 years of experience in this field.

  Anecdotes

  Choosing raw materials that affect everyday use

  The woods commonly used as raw materials for MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) include mulberry, zelkova, Japanese pagoda tree, horse chestnut, and cherry. All of these woods possess beautiful grain, hardness, resistance to warping, and excellent durability. MIYAJIMA Zaiku (Woodwork) wooden products are designed to be used in everyday life, allowing their quality to be truly appreciated. Therefore, the quality of the raw materials greatly influences the user experience. The craftsmen carefully select the wood to be used as raw material. In the past, they processed wood that grew locally on Miyajima, but now it is not uncommon for wood to come from all over Japan, or even across the sea. However, even if the materials change from place to place, the craftsmanship that flows through the artisans remains unchanged.

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    Large rice paddle: "Carving a large rice paddle for decoration."

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    Miyajima carving: "We carve by making the most of the characteristics of the wood."