By Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Lifestyle Design Laboratory, Kyoto Women's University
Attention to Making and Materials
Kojima Shoten is an old, established workshop that has been making Kyo-chochin since the Edo period. The entire process is done in the jibari-shiki method, in which everything from the creation of the bamboo frame, the pasting of paper, to the pictorial decoration is done by hand. The product of a time-consuming, labor-intensive process, that Kyo-chochin is characterized by its sturdiness and the rich texture of its materials. As for durability, it can easily last 10 years of kept out of the rain.
Production Process
The process starts with the splitting of bamboo, one of the principal materials. The bamboo is measured with a premetric shaku ruler and cut to the desired size.
Splitting the Bamboo
After the bamboo has been made about the right size, the nodes are removed. The bamboo is then split in half and then further split to create the "horizontal bones." The number of bones depends of the size of the lantern.
Next using a square, the bones are cut to a predetermined length. The top side of the square has the measurements for the bones on the upper half of the chochin, and on the bottom side the measurements for the bones on the lower half. To improve overall appearance, the upper and lower halves are not symmetrical; rather, the lower half is somewhat smaller than the upper. Consequently, the size and number of bones above and below are different.
Hoops and Perfect Circles
Glue is applied to both ends of the horizontal bones, fixed with Japanese washi paper, and made into a ring. Once the rings are finished, a tool called a honetame is used to provide a rounder form. Since bamboo tends to return to a straight shape, in order to restrain this tendency and produce a nice round form, it is necessary to make the fibers completely flexible.
Making Molds (Katagumi)
From 6 to 10 bow-shaped pieces of wood are inserted into a frame called a kagami to create molds. The molds range in size from the large ones 2 meters diameter to the small about 8 cm in diameter. There are approximately 100 types of mold in all. There are groves in the molds to fix them to the bones. When all the bones have been fixed to the mold, strings are used to reinforce the connection between the bones.
Applying the Paper and Removing the Mold
Using glue made of wheat starch that has been soaked in water, moistened washi paper is applied over the frame. It is one of the characteristics of Kyoto lanterns that since the ribs are flat the paper is easily pasted on.
Decoration
Once upper and lower frames have been created on the lantern, the final step is decoration (etsuke). A rough sketch is done in pencil, and this is filled out a little at a time with a bush. Using block ink, the final touches are applied by repeatedly overlaying the ink.
Lanterns Seen Around Kyoto
Chochin made by Kojima Shoten are dedicated to temples, used in festivals, and more. The two large lanterns seen in front of the Kabuki theater Minami-za are well-known annual products of Kojima Shoten.
In addition to continuing to making classical Kyo-chochin, Kojima is also creating lanterns with modern designs in a variety of areas, such as for eating and drinking establishments, apprel stores, and various events. Abroad, it is conducting workshops, artistic collaborations, and other innovative activities heretofore unknown.
Passing the Handmade Tradition to the Next Generation
The 9th generation head of Kojima Shoten, Kojima Mamoru, says, "Since my sons have begun taking up new challenges, work has become so much more fun." While carrying on the technical traditions of the past, Kojima Shoten creates new lanterns in keeping with the times and for the future. This is the Kojima style.
Information provided & Supported by:
Kojima Shoten
Text and Exhibition created by:
Inoue Chihiro, Kyoto Women's University
Photography by:
Dr Maezaki Shinya, Associate Professor,Kyoto Women's University
Project Directors:
Dr Maezaki Shinya, Associate Professor,Kyoto Women's University
