Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
What is Nagiso rokuro zaiku?
Nagiso
rokuro zaiku is a traditional woodturning craft that developed in the
village of Nagiso in Nagano prefecture, a location surrounded by abundant greenery.
It is a specialty product that is distinctive of tree country. Utilizing wood
that is carefully selected by seasoned craftsmen, rokuro zaiku products include practical everyday turned goods, such
as round tea set boxes, trays, bowls, and more. The material qualities and natural
grain of the wood differ depending on the type of tree, so the delicate
variations in the aesthetic of each kind of wood are taken into consideration
when determining the shape and type of product that will be made from it. Over time,
people’s
lifestyle and preferences have become more diversified. The materials and
designs of Nagiso turnery have adapted in keeping with these changes and new
products have continued to evolve.
Nagiso Town, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
History
Records of unfinished wood forms being
shipped out to Nagoya and Osaka appear in the Katsuno monjo records and it would appear that in the mid-Edo
period turned plain wood products were being made in this region. In the early
Meiji period, a total of approximately fifteen woodworkers and lacquerers were
engaged in the production of a variety of turned wood bowls and trays. By the
mid-Meiji period, technological and production capacity grew with the adoption
of mechanized water-powered lathes and the area became widely known for its
turned craft.
Tea canister, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
By the early Shōwa period, the region was delivering products,
such as tea trays and tea set boxes, throughout Japan. At this time, both plain
wood products as well as fuki-urushi rubbed
lacquered objects were being shipped out in large quantities. In spite of
encountering difficulties, such as the growing scarcity of raw timber in the
area and poor transport conditions, the gradual rise in appreciation for the value
of handmade objects and the natural beauty of wood have allowed the craft to continue
to the present day.
Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
The production process
Artisans of Nagiso woodturning are
individually responsible for all stages of the production process, from the
selection of the wood and the finishing of the surface, to forging their own
planes and chisels. The fact that one individual craftsman is working the wood
at all stages of production results in very high-quality work. A woodworker who
is unable to forge his own blades is not considered a true craftsman. Making
their own tools from scratch, producing their product and selling it themselves,
results in a strong emotional investment in the product.
The Wood, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
The wood
Horse chestnut, zelkova, castor aralia, katsura,
cherry birch and other broadleaf trees are used in Nagiso rokuro zaiku. The kinds of moderate weight woods with beautiful, even
grain that meet the conditions that are considered ideal for this craft all come
from trees that are more than one hundred years old.
Wood Grain, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Wood grain
The distinctive skill and personality of
the individual craftsman is absolutely indispensable in drawing out the beautiful
wood grain, which can be said to be the life force of turned wood craft.
Cross-cutting, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Cross-cutting
The logs that are selected by the craftsmen
are cross-cut in a process called tamagiri.
These cross-sections are machined for maximum efficiency depending on the type,
size and purpose of the products being made from them.
Splitting, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Splitting
The cross-cut sections are placed with the cut
edge up and split approximately to the size to be used. This process is called hikiwari.
Finishing, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Finishing
Using a finishing turning chisel called a shaka, the grooves from rough turning are
carved away and the finished surface is made smooth. This task, which is carried
out on a turning lathe, requires masterful proficiency. Precise techniques of
applying the blade and carving that can only come from years of experience are
key to bringing the beautiful wood grain to the surface.
Fuki-urushi, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Fuki-urushi
Raw lacquer is applied with a brush and rubbed into the
surface three to six times. This repeated process creates a lustrous, glossy
surface.
Lacquer brush, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Fuki-urushi products, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Being hand-produced
by individual artisans, each of these objects is unique. This process results
in a distinctive warmth of the wood material that comes from a combination of
the beauty of the wood grain created by nature and the skill of the artisan’s hand.
Dish and Bowl, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Plain wood products and fuki-urushi products
In the
finishing process, scouring rushes and sugukiwara
straw are used to wet polish the products, resulting in plain wood products
that highlight the beauty of the natural wood grain itself. In contrast, the fuki-urushi products give off a deep radiance
that results from rubbing in natural lacquer. Both products are equally useful
and share the distinguishing qualities of Nagiso woodturning craft, which encompasses
a wide range of types of products.
Mixing bowl, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Bowl, the fuki-urushi products, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Nagiso Traditional Craft Forest, Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku, From the collection of: Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Forest cultivation
The decline
in raw timber that has served as the material for this craft has become a growing
problem and since 2006 there has been activity to protect and promote timber
culture and sustainable forests. A “Nagiso Traditional Craft Forest” has been created and forests of zelkova, horse chestnut, and other trees
that become materials for turning craft have been planted and maintained, while
other modes of timber cultivation have also advanced. Raising good timber results
in good product. The town of Nagiso will continue to pass down this culture in
the future as the leading production region of wood turning craft in Japan.
Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Credits: Story
Supported and Information provided by:
Nagano Prefecture Sangyorodobu
Nagiso Rokuro Kogei Kyodo Kumiai
English Translation by:
Maiko Bear
Text written and Exhibition created by:
Sugishima Tsubasa ( Department of Apparel and Space Design, Kyoto Women's University )
Directed by:
Maezaki Shinya, Kyoto Women's University
Yamamoto Masako, Ritsumeikan University
Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
