IRON KETTLE HANDLES
Iwate Prefecture (since mid-seventeenth century)
Material: Iron
Blacksmiths who specialized in creating the handles of iron kettles were known as tsuru kaji. They often also made the tripods set up in sunken hearths to support the kettle. Handles are essential in placing iron kettles on a flame and pouring from them, so making handles was very important work. The number of tsuru kaji was extremely limited, though, and their work was not well known. Becoming a tsuru kaji required great skill, as they do not use machines or molds but hammer the handles into shape. They learned the trade over many years as apprentices by observing the work of master craftsmen. Today, the unseen but well-honed skills are being applied to make art objects and other items, enhancing lifestyles in new ways.
鉉鍛冶
岩手県 1650年頃（江戸時代）～
素材：鉄
日本の鉄器を代表する「南部鉄瓶」の“持ち手部分”の技を、「鉉鍛冶」といいます。鉉鍛冶の技は、炉の五徳などにも使われています。鉄瓶を火にかける、注ぐ時など、持ち手部分はなくてはならないもの。まさに縁の下の力持ちで大変重要な手仕事です。しかし職人の数は極端に少なく、存在はあまり知られていません。鉉鍛冶（鍛金）は機械を使わず、型も使わず、職人自らの手でたたき作り上げる巧みな技。職人たちは親方の姿を見て何年もかけて身体で覚えてきました。現在、鉉鍛冶の技を使ったオブジェなどの作品も製作。日本の手仕事を陰で支える技が、新たな形で暮らしを彩り始めました。
