I visited the workshop of Yoshinori Shimatani, the fourth-generation owner of Shimatani Shoryu Kobo, a company specializing in the manufacture of "orin" (Buddhist bells) in Takaoka, Toyama, a town known for its metal casting, to report on the second installment of our "Traveling with Ceramics" series!
Four years ago, in February 2012, the fourth-generation Shimatani launched a new brand called "Syouryu" with the concept of "creating new products that are uniquely Takaoka, befitting a metalworking craftsman, and usable in everyday life," and from that brand came the wonderful product "Suzugami"!
"Suzugami" is inspired by origami, and is a new type of vessel made from 100% tin, which is repeatedly rolled to make it as thin as paper, and then hammered with a hammer that has a pattern carved into it to prevent deterioration from bending and stretching, allowing it to be bent freely!
It comes in four sizes, and the patterns are inspired by beautiful Japanese weather phenomena such as "kazahana" (windflower), "arare" (hail), and "samidare" (early summer rain)!
During this trip to Taiwan, we also carried out the "Traveling with Tableware Series Part 2" planned by lade, and the "Suzugami" tableware, which we collaborated on with various hotels and restaurants, surprised everyone who picked it up, and everyone was impressed!
[The second installment in the series "Traveling with Tableware"]
https://goo.gl/photos/Fcjo6p6yMmXSp6qc7
Ms. Shimatani gave us a demonstration of "suzugami," and the way she rhythmically hammered and finished the piece was truly the work of a master craftsman!
Because they can only produce a limited number each day, orders are currently on a two-month waiting list! It's a huge hit all over the world!
Furthermore, there was a large "orin" (Buddhist bell) in the workshop that was still under construction, and they asked me, "Would you like to try striking it?" I was able to try it, and it had a deep, warm tone that resonated gently for several minutes!
I felt that the beautiful tone was not only a testament to the traditional techniques passed down through generations, but also a reflection of the gentle and warm personalities of the Shimatani family.
With the full support of his wife, Kanako, the whole family is working together to create "Shimatani Shoryu Kobo," and we at lade would like to support them as we watch the future developments unfold♪ Thank you, Mr. Shimatani♪
