Yamagata Imono is a metal-casting craft centered on Yamagata City with a history of roughly 900 years. It is said to have begun in the late Heian period, during the Kohei era (mid-11th century), when foundry craftsmen who had accompanied Minamoto no Yoriyoshi's military campaign discovered that the sand and soil along the Mamigasaki River were well suited to mold-making, and settled in the area. In the Edo period, when Mogami Yoshiaki laid out the castle town, he established a foundry workers' quarter (present-day Dōmachi) where he gathered craftsmen together, laying the foundation for the area as a production center. In contrast to the heavy, decorative style of Nanbu ironware, Yamagata Imono is characterized by a simple beauty that makes the most of its thin-walled, delicate cast surface, and is used to make everything from everyday items such as tea-ceremony kettles, iron kettles (tetsubin), and vases to temple bells and stone lanterns. In 1975 (Showa 50), it was designated a Traditional Craft Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. In recent years, in addition to iron kettles and wind chimes, makers have also been developing new products such as interior goods suited to modern life.
Origin
The origins of Yamagata Imono are said to date to the Kohei era (around 1058-1065) in the late Heian period. Foundry craftsmen who accompanied Minamoto no Yoriyoshi on his military campaign to Oshu discovered that the sand of the Mamigasaki River, which flows through Yamagata City, and the surrounding soil were ideal for mold-making. It is said that several of them stayed on in the area and began making cast-metal goods, marking the craft's beginning. Since then, Yamagata has been settled by generations of craftsmen as a place well suited to casting.
History
In the early Edo period, when Yamagata Castle's lord Mogami Yoshiaki reorganized the castle town, he gathered the foundry craftsmen who worked with fire into 'Dōmachi,' establishing the foundation of the production area. During the Genna era, techniques for bronze casting were established by incorporating know-how from more advanced regions such as Kyoto, and craftsmen began making temple bells and stone lanterns as well. From the Meiji era onward, production of artistic craft items such as iron kettles and tea-ceremony kettles also expanded, and in 1975 the craft received national Traditional Craft designation.
Features
Compared with Nanbu ironware, Yamagata Imono is thin-walled and light, characterized by a simple beauty that makes the most of its delicate cast surface. Traditional techniques such as its distinctive mold-making, pattern-stamping, surface-texturing (hadauchi), and lacquer finishing allow it to keep an accurate shape even in thin-walled pieces. Another hallmark is the breadth of its technique, which can produce everything from large items such as temple bells and stone lanterns to everyday goods such as iron kettles and vases, and in recent years wind chimes and interior goods as well.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Pattern and mold making
A mold shaped to the form of the product is made using a wooden pattern along with sand and clay.
- 2
Drying and firing the mold
The mold is dried and, as needed, hardened by firing -- a process called 'hadayaki' -- to increase its heat resistance.
- 3
Melting and pouring
Molten iron or copper is poured into the mold to cast the desired shape.
- 4
Finishing
The mold is removed and the product taken out, then finished with processes such as surface-texturing (hadauchi) and lacquer coating.
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Artisans & Workshops
鋳心ノ工房
A Yamagata Imono workshop founded in 1997 by metal-casting artist Masuda Naoki. Making the most of traditional casting techniques, it produces cast items with designs suited to modern life, such as iron kettles, wind chimes, and tableware.
Official site →How to Buy
- 鋳心ノ工房 ショールーム
- At the showroom in En'oji-machi, Yamagata City, visitors can purchase cast-metal products such as iron kettles and wind chimes (advance contact is required for a visit). Iron kettles start in the 60,000-yen range and iron wind chimes in the 2,000-yen range. Purchases are also possible through the online shop.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
山形市産業歴史資料館
山形県山形市鋳物町10番地
Admission is free. In autumn, the museum holds an event called 'Experience Casting!' (advance application required), where visitors can watch molten iron being poured at a foundry and sample imoni (a local stew) cooked in a Yamagata Imono iron pot.
View details →