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The charm of "Tsuzura" filled with Japanese wisdom and technology
"Iwai Tsuzuraya,"
At "Tokyo Mannaka Ippindo", which sells recommended souvenirs from Chuo-ku, there are many gems filled with the charms and traditions of Chuo-ku and the creator's thoughts.
Among them, the gem that I've always been worried about is "Tsuzura". "Iwai Tsuzuraya", which has a shop in Ningyocho, is now a specialty store of spellings that is now only one in Tokyo. This time, I took the opportunity to talk to Keizo Iwai of "Iwai Tsuzuraya" and his wife.
I would like to take a closer look at the charm of the spells.
What kind of thing is "Single"?
When you hear the spelling, the old tale "Toogue Sparrow" comes to mind. I get a small spell from a sparrow helped by an old man who went to a sparrow's inn. When I opened it, there were a lot of treasures. It was such a story. It used to be in every house in the past, but recently there have been fewer opportunities to see it.
The spelling is written as "Kuzugo" in kanji. A box with a lid that is pasted with Japanese paper on a basket ( basket) woven with bamboo, painted with persimmon astringency and lacquer. It is mainly used to put clothes such as kimonos.
Originally, it refers to a basket with a lid woven with a vine of a plant called "Tsurafuji". After that, Japanese paper was pasted on bamboo-knitted palanquins and cypress boxes, and persimmon and lacquer were made.
In the Genroku era of Edo, the spelling spread to the common people as an Edo merchant named Tsuzuraya Jinbei sold it as a wedding tool. During the peak period from the Meiji era to the Taisho era, Nihonbashi, which is famous as a town of kimono, has many craftsmen living there, a union of Tsuzuraya was organized, and there were more than 100 Tsuzura shops.
History of the only spelling shop in Tokyo, Iwai Tsuzuraya
The founding of "Iwai Tsuzuraya" dates back to the Bunkyu period (1861-1864) in the late Edo period. It is said that the first Shinshiro Iwai started manufacturing spellings alongside his main business, including a palanquin shop.
In the Edo period, strong and light "bamboo" was used as a material for palanquins to carry people. There were also high-grade wooden palanquins, but the common people used exclusively bamboo palanquins.
One day, the production of spelling has become a main business, and about 150 years after its founding, Ryoichi and Keizo, the sixth generation, inherit the skills and traditions from their predecessor father and continue to make spells.
The photo shows the appearance of "Iwai Tsuzuraya" in the early Showa era. This is a photo taken with everyone in the town.
How to make spells and features
The spelling, which is said to have a durable life of more than 100 years, is a tool filled with Japanese wisdom and technology.
How to make spells
Materials include bamboo, Japanese paper, funori, persimmon astringency, lacquer, etc. How to make it hasn't changed since ancient times. First of all, bamboo baskets are made by bamboo basket craftsmen. Recently, the number of craftsmen has decreased, and the number of craftsmen who make rectangular baskets with corners is limited, and we have asked craftsmen in Ogawa-machi and Tsukuba City, Saitama Prefecture to manufacture bamboo baskets.
After adjusting the shape of a bamboo basket, the first step is to paste Japanese paper. Apply Japanese paper on the inside and outside using starch glue. When I showed me Japanese paper, there was a hemp mosquito net on the back. This seems to be a device that attaches a mosquito net to make Japanese paper strong and hard to break. The outside Japanese paper is double-layered and pasted, and a bamboogushi is applied to float the bamboo mesh.
Next, the process of making the base for applying persimmon astringency. Use persimmon juice mixed with pine smoke and bengara. This persimmon astringency provides insect-repellent and mold-proof effect on spelling. The process of this base is very important for making spells, and the color of the base affects the color after lacquering. The colors of the spelling include black, vermilion, and red color, but the ratio of pine smoke and bengara varies depending on the color. Contains a lot of pine smoke in black, and a lot of bengara in vermilion or pool color. Finishing is the process of applying lacquer. Finish by applying cashew lacquer (lacquer with cashew nuts shells).
Next, put the makeup on the inside of the spelling. Finally, it is completed with your family crest, name, or your favorite pattern. It takes about 5 days from the bamboo basket to the completion of the spelling.
Characteristics of the spelling
Light, durable, excellent permeability, and excellent insect repellent and mold-proof effect. In the climate of Japan with rainy seasons and sultry summers, spelling is the perfect tool for storing clothes.
In addition, if the spelling is properly maintained and repaired, it can be used for a lifetime. In recent years, the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) have attracted attention, but the spellings are truly products that embody the SDGs.
Customize makeup paper, family crests, and patterns according to your preference.
The makeup paper on the inside of the spelling can be pasted with your favorite pattern instead of a standard pattern. If you buy your favorite Japanese paper at Ozu Washi in nearby Otemmacho, you will stick it on a spell.
You can put your family crest, name, and favorite pattern on the table. Recently, there are many people who put their favorite patterns instead of family crests. There were various patterns. I decide the design on the personal computer of the shop and make a pattern. Use this pattern to put a picture on the spelling. It seems that "Iwai Tsuzuraya"'s mascot sparrow pattern, pupture puppy, cat pattern, etc. are popular.
※There is no picture in the "Assorted souvenirs recommended in Chuo-ku", which will be on sale from July 1, 2022.
"I'm going to keep my small items,"
"Small Clothing Tsuzura" is a recommended souvenir from Chuo-ku, and is a popular gem that was ranked third in the "mono category" in March 2021. I asked you about "Smalls".
We started manufacturing and selling a new product in 2016 with the desire to make the spell closer and to make it easier for young people and foreigners to use it.
It is the smallest spelling in "Iwai Tsuzuraya", a compact size that is easy to take home with a size of 20.5 x 12 cm and a height of 7.5 cm. The price is reasonable, and many people buy gifts for Father's Day and Mother's Day, gifts for friends, souvenirs, etc.
It's just the right size to keep things around you in one place. I'd be glad if I got this as a gift.
There are 3 colors of "Smalls". Black, vermilion, and what I was worried about was the color. The pool color is a unique color used in lacquer products. Azuki color, candy color, deep, calm and astringent color. It seems that there are many people who choose the color.
It is recommended by "Iwai Tsuzuraya"'s special dish "Small Items".
Finally, the signboard dog "Suzume-chan"
Finally, I would like to introduce a cute and popular signboard dog "Suzume-chan" on Facebook.
I came to the Iwai family about a year ago. "Suzume-chan" is a famous blues singer from Ningyocho and introduced by Toru Oki, the founder of the Therapy Dock Association, and is said to be a protected dog that Mr. Iwai picked up from an animal protection organization. I don't have one eye by nature, but it looks like I'm winking and very charming and cute.
There is an Instagram of "Suzume-chan". The shop is only on Saturdays and Sundays. I'm not always at the storefront, so if you're lucky, you may be able to meet you.
※The photos on this blog have been partially processed and used by photos provided by Iwai Tsuzuraya, official website and photos posted on Facebook.
※"Iwai Tsuzuraya" cooperated in the interview where he was busy during work. I would like to thank you again.