Traditional crafts

Iwate's traditional crafts, "Nambu Ironware" and "Nambu Sakiori" - an encounter with contemporary art evolving from "old" to "new"

  • Ryoko Ryoko
  • Last updated:

Forging hot iron and weaving together torn cloth - the crafts born from the lifestyle of Iwate are imbued with the wisdom and prayers of the people. Now, these crafts are intertwining with the sensibilities of contemporary art, and are beginning to take on new forms. When the skills of artisans meet the inspiration of artists, what future will Iwate's traditions paint?

The path that Iwate's traditional crafts have taken

The crafts rooted in Iwate have been born and passed down from daily life. At their core: not "to create because it's beautiful," but "to create because it's necessary for survival." Representative examples include Nanbu ironware and Nanbu rag weaving. Both are nurtured by Iwate's nature and living environment.

Nambu ironware

Nambu ironware


The origins of Nambu ironware date back to the Edo period. When the Morioka domain adopted tea ceremony culture, foundry workers were invited, and ironware production flourished in the area. Iwate Prefecture is rich in iron sand and charcoal, making it an ideal place to work with iron. The iron kettles produced theregained a reputation for making "water taste smoother," and their use spread to the lives of ordinary people.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT
[Iwate Prefecture] 3 Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy the Charm of Nanbu Ironware and Gourmet Food Made with Nanbu Ironware!
https://jp.neft.asia/archives/8334
Nanbu ironware has been produced in Morioka and Oshu cities in Iwate Prefecture for a long time. Its tasteful surface patterns and high functionality have attracted attention not only in Japan but also overseas. In this article, we'll introduce the appeal of Nanbu ironware, a traditional craft of Iwate Prefecture, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine using Nanbu ironware and easy ironware recipes you can make yourself. What is Nanbu ironware? Morioka ironware is said to have originated in the 17th century, when the lord of the Nanbu domain invited kettle makers from Kyoto to produce tea kettles. Oshu ironware is said to have originated in the Heian period, when Fujiwara no Kiyohira invited ironware craftsmen from Omi to make military equipment.
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In time, Nambu ironware became an essential tool for cooking and tea time, and was also a prized part of brides' dowries. These lustrous black iron kettles exuded a dignified presence in the kitchen, and continued to support the lives of families for decades

During the Meiji era, workshops like "OigenChuzo" ​​emerged, producing a succession of products directly related to daily life, such as household cooking utensils and frying pans. The techniques of these workshops are still alive in many of the pots and iron kettles that are in use today.

Nanbu Sakiori

Nanbu Sakiori
Source: Kitakami Tourism and Convention Association

Nanbu sakiori, on the other hand, originated in an era when cloth was extremely precious, by tearing up old clothes and fabrics and reweaving them.wisdom of using cloth to its very last bitsupported life in a cold climate.

Sakiori, with its woven colored fabrics layered randomly and no two pieces having the same pattern, is simple yet rich in expression. It has been used to make farm work clothes, obi sashes, and rugs, adding color to our lives

thereto create beauty even with limited resourcesthe sensibility of people who sought

Encountering Contemporary Art: A New Challenge

Traditional crafts are forced to change with the times. Amid a reality of shrinking demand and a lack of artisans, fusion with contemporary art and design is gaining attention. Iwate's crafts are no longer simply "old things," but are being reevaluated as materials for new expression

A collaboration between Nambu ironware and designers


a long-established workshop in MoriokaKamasada, third-generation owner Nobuho Miya is creating a succession of simple and modern Nambu ironware. Their productsextend beyond teapots to include everyday items such as trivets and cutlery, andtheir designs, which blend seamlessly with Scandinavian furniture, have garnered high praise from overseas.

Information

  • Name: Nambu Ironware Kamajo
  • Address: 2-5 Konyacho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
  • Phone number: 019-622-3911
  • URL:Kamasada Official Instagram
  • Business hours: 9:00-17:30
  • Closed: Sundays

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rather than being just black,Their colorful iron kettles, painted with enamelThe designs evoke a sense of tradition while seamlessly fitting into modern lifestyles.

Information

  • Name: Oigen Casting Co., Ltd
  • Address: 45 Horinouchi, Haneda-cho, Mizusawa, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0197-25-5925
  • URL:OIGEN ONLINE SHOP
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00
  • Closed: Wednesdays

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Nanbu Sakiori and Fashion Brands


Rag weaving continues to embrace new challenges.Sakkora Japan," run bySACCORA Project" upcycles leftover fabric into rag weaving pieces and collaborates with fashion and outdoor brands. These pieces are transformed into sneakers, vests, bags, and more. The unique layering of colors characteristic of rag weaving adds awarming aura to modern outfitsfresh

Information

  • Name: Kokorai Japan Co., Ltd
  • Address: 19-41 Abedatecho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
  • Phone number: 019-681-9166
  • URL:Kofurai Japan Official Website

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Regional impact and possibilities

These initiatives not only support craft sales but also attract young creators and tourists. "Production area tourism, and workshop experiences are extremely popular with travelers from both Japan and abroad. The sight of artisans and artists collaborating touches people's hearts as a "story" of the region itself.

Iwate's crafts are no longer simply about "preserving the old."an entity that continues to shine with its essence.

A future where tradition and innovation coexist

Connecting tradition to the future is not about "preserving things exactly as they were in the past." What's important isfinding a form that resonates with today's lifestyle while preserving its essence. The encounter between Iwate's traditional crafts and contemporary art can be seen as both an experiment and a challenge in this regard.

The moment of picking up a Nambu ironware kettle and brewing tea. The moment of walking through the city with a Nambu woven bag slung over your shoulder.
Behind these moments,the memories of the land that have continued for hundreds of years and the aspirations of creators who are forging a path to the future intertwine.

The coexistence of tradition and innovation born in Iwate will continue to enrich our lives

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