A traditional Nambu ironware workshop that has been in existence for about 400 years since the Edo period.
One of its features is its beautiful, lean form and deep rust color.
Its high design and coloring blend well with modern life and give
a noble impression.
Female craftsmen carrying on a 400-year tradition
Suzuki Morihisa Kobo, located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, has a 400-year history of supporting Nambu ironware since the Edo period. The company was founded in 1625 and continues to produce Nambu ironware using traditional techniques. The Suzuki family has served the Nanbu domain as foundry workers for generations, and now there are 15 generations in the family.
The person we interviewed this time is Ms. Shiko Kumagai, who succeeded the name of Morihisa Suzuki, the 15th generation. She is attracting attention as the first female craftsman among the successive generations. Before becoming a foundry worker, Shieko studied metal engraving. However, after her father passed away, she decided to follow in his footsteps. Her experience as a metal engraver has led to the delicate, graceful patterns of her current works. Among his works, tetsubin (iron kettles) are especially popular. On the day of our visit, we had a chance to see each of his newly finished tetsubin one by one.
Stylish Nambu tetsubin that can be displayed as interior decorations
The traditional “Hinomaru” tetsubin was designed in the Meiji era. Compared to modern kettles and kyusu (teapots), ordinary Nambu tetsubin have a sturdier and heavier impression. However, Ms. Shieko Kumagai’s work has a feminine originality, while retaining the sense of massiveness that is unique to Nambu ironware. The unusual vertical stripes and handball patterns of her designs are surprisingly light. Although they are traditional handicrafts, Shieko’s Nambu ironware is also loved as interior decorations that add color to modern life.
Next, we were taken to the workshop, which is connected to the gallery. We passed through a dimly lit passageway to the workshop, a machiya-style building that has remained unchanged since its construction in 1885. Currently, Shiko Suzuki, her son Seiro, the 16th generation successor, and his young apprentices are working at the Suzuki Morihisa Workshop.
The entire process of making Nambu ironware, from designing the tetsubin, to making the molds, to pouring the iron, is carried out in this workshop. The techniques passed down from generation to generation make it possible to create both delicate and massive tetsubin.
Traditional craftsmanship begins with the overall form.
At the workshop, Nakata was allowed to experience the process of “pattern pressing,” in which traditional Japanese patterns are applied to the molds. Using arare sticks of different sizes, he pressed the patterns onto the molds. Nakata’s sighs could be heard as he was unable to apply the patterns evenly. But Shieko says, “On the contrary, that’s what makes it interesting.
The conversation gradually turns to the perspective of “craftsmanship. While working, Nakata asked, “For example, now that you have given me this pattern, do you start making something from the pattern or from the overall form? Or do you start from the overall form? Nakata asked. Nakata said that he started from the form when he created a work for the REVALUE NIPPON PROJECT in which he participated.
Shieko said that she often starts from the form as well. It is true that many of the tetsubin we saw at the gallery have attractive shapes. A comfortable form is born in each era and each time. We look forward to seeing more of Shieko’s work as she continues to explore new possibilities for Nambu ironware while preserving the 400-year tradition.
While firmly preserving the traditions passed down in my family from generation to generation, I produce Nambu ironware that is both practical and playful, with a design that is in tune with the times. We hope that you will take one of our products in your hands and enjoy the benefits of living with Nambu ironware.
