Akita Prefecture is home to many crafts that originated in the region. One of these is mokumegane , a technique created by Shoami Denbei , a sword maker employed by the Satake clan at the beginning of the Edo period.
The birth of Mokume copper is closely related to the fact that Akita Prefecture's Ani mine and Innai silver mine once produced a large amount of copper. It can be said that the land of Akita Prefecture is a blessing that many weapons and ornaments are made using gold, silver, and copper, and that highly skilled metalworking techniques are alive and well.
The traditional craft of Akita Prefecture, Mokume copper, is said to be one of the most difficult techniques. Metal craftsman Chigai, who turns 80 this year, also creates flower vases and water drops ( water pitchers for calligraphy ) by adding modern elements. He is also conscious that Akita's traditional techniques will not disappear.
We spoke to him about his journey so far, his tireless efforts in producing Mokume copper, and the issue of successors.
-- Artist Interview --
Please tell us how you came to encounter Mokume copper, a technique that has been lost in transmission.
"After graduating from junior high school in Gojome, I worked as an apprentice at a construction company. I made stoves and chimneys and also joined a "craftsmanship group" where I interacted with like-minded people. Perhaps because my father was a woodworker, I was able to easily accept the job of a craftsman.
After that, I worked on metalwork for construction, such as stainless steel sinks and automatic entrance door frames, before going independent at the age of 32. When I realized that no one knew the process for mokume copper, a metalwork craft that originated in Akita, I wanted to recreate it, so I started trying at about age 35 , and after 10 years of trial and error, I finally completed it.
Could you please tell us about your process for making mokume copper?
" 25 layers of silver, copper, silver, black copper and silver are layered alternately and placed into a furnace, where they are heated and glued together into a single block. Once they have visually checked that they have adhered, they are removed from the furnace and hit with a hammer, which hardens the material. They are beaten until they are 4mm thick, and grooves form when they are beaten and stretched. When they are carved, a pattern is created, and the pattern changes depending on how they are carved and polished. When this is hit with a hammer again, a complex pattern is created. When the grooves disappear, the material becomes soft, so you can shape it into the desired shape, color it and it is complete."
The name Mokume copper comes from the fact that the pattern resembles wood grain. I've heard that the beautiful pattern is one of the reasons for its popularity.
"You could say that the beauty of the pattern is created by scraping, hammering and polishing the surface."
What is the most difficult and interesting part of the process?
"The temperature is the most difficult. Joining metals with different melting points is very difficult, so we measure it by eye, but if we're too early or too late, it won't work. If we miss the timing, the metal will peel off. I've failed many times in the past.
What's interesting is that the color changes depending on the temperature, carving method, and polishing method, so it's different every time you make it.
Sometimes, when we are almost at the finishing stage, we find peeling and the work is ruined, which is disappointing. On the other hand, sometimes the work turns out to be surprising and we are delighted when it turns out better than we expected, saying, "Yay!" It's a continuous process."
Whenever you fail, you feel even more motivated to try again, and this is the result of your craftsmanship. When was the turning point?
"I was in my late 50s and was selected to participate in a traditional crafts exhibition. When my work is recognized, it helps me understand where I stand. That's why I think submitting works is so important."
What are the challenges you face when creating your works?
"Every day is a struggle. I'm never satisfied and I'm always thinking about how I can make a better pattern. I'll probably continue to struggle until I die.
"I am not a craftsman, but a craftsman. I have received many awards, but I still consider myself a craftsman. I want to continue making Akita's proud Mokume copper as a craftsman for the rest of my life, leave it to future generations, and train successors."
What are you doing to address the issue of succession?
"I open my workshop to the public every Saturday. I hope that as many people as possible will become interested.
There are currently about six or seven people in the workshop, one of whom is in his fifties and has gone out on his own to make mokume copper. There are also three in their sixties and one in his seventies . There are also a few people in their thirties and forties who are interested.
Just because you like this job and have been doing it for a year or two doesn't mean you'll be able to make a living from it right away, so I'd like you to continue doing it, even if it's just as a hobby."
You turned 80 this year. If you have any tips for continuing to make art over such a long life, please tell us.
"I was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. I've also had cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction. I believe I am where I am today because there are things I continue to do."
( TEXT : Natsume Kaoru)