The grain and color of wood, the material of which no one is the same
2019.11.08
A tree that appears in mythology and has long been a symbol of fertility. In Japan as well, it has been used since the Jomon period, taking advantage of its types and properties. In addition, the development of tools and processing technology has expanded the use, and now it is used for various purposes such as miscellaneous goods, residences, and large buildings.
The wood grain and color are unique
“I have worked with wood for many years and it still leaves me wondering.”
Mr. Masahiro Watanabe, representative of Watanabe Mokko Hikimonosho, which was founded in 1953, says so. As the second generation, he inherited the turning and molding techniques of his predecessor and is a turner who has worked with many types of wood. Most of the materials we handle are hardwoods that are crisp and easy to handle, but we take great care not to go against the characteristics of each when processing.
For example, when putting rosewood or ebony, which is hard but weak in stiffness, into a lathe, adjust it so that it does not crack, and use a different file for finishing so that no streaks remain. Even if you take the sap alone, the wig will be soft, but during processing it will be so scum that it will turn your hands black and weaken the blade. On the other hand, beach and maple are easy to handle because there is almost no tar.
“That kind of difference is what makes the wood so great. Even if it’s the same type, beech and European beaches are quite different in color. It is characterized by mixed colors and strong wood grain, but when it comes to using it, it is easy to avoid using it because it is all white beach.I think that the unique wood grain and color is what makes nature interesting.”
Mr. Watanabe's story conveys the mystery of the individuality that unfolds inside the seed of a tree, based on his on-site experience.
“You can tell the type of maple tree by its scent when you are shaving it. Unlike ginkgo and cypress, which have unique characteristics, maple trees have a milder scent. They say it's different, but I guess it's the same with trees."
MOLA MOLA Necklace/Bracelet and WOOD series are made from this maple. Because of its properties, it is often used as a flooring material.
“At SIRI SIRI, most of the wooden jewelry we sell is made with hard maple from Canada and North America, and walnut oil is used for a natural finish. Maple has a unique wood grain and is less prone to scratches and moths, so it still looks nice. Because it is hard and tenacious, it is hard to crack even when it is put on a lathe, making it an easy material to work with.”
Feelings as a craftsman that cannot be explained numerically
Mr. Watanabe handles a wide range of products, from commercial goods such as drums wound with copper wire, to furniture, interior goods, handicraft goods and miscellaneous goods. Regardless of the scale, the first important thing is to consider the efficient processing procedure from the drawing, determine the dimensions including the adjustment so as not to damage the product, and carefully prepare.
“When I receive a request, I first think about how I should turn it, and then carefully consider the procedure and process from the drawing. For the WOOD Necklace (discontinued), I cut a long piece of wood into a shape by carving it, and turned it upside down on a lathe. I refitted it, shaved the other side thinly by hand, and then finished it with paper.For the other acorn necklace, it was more difficult to counterbore to fit the central stick than the round shape. I'm good at doing it, but gouging and spotting is difficult."
Woodworking machines such as an automatic profiling lathe that turns squared timber into a round bar, a finishing lathe, a woodworking potter's wheel for hollowing out, and a round bar sander for polishing. First, square timbers are made to match the width of the product, a drilling machine is used to make a hole in the center if necessary, an automatic profiling lathe is used to roughly grind the timber into round bars, and a finishing lathe is used to make the final shape. What is even more essential is the awareness of the wood grain. This is because the way the chisel is applied is completely different between the kiguchi finish, in which the blade is applied perpendicular to the direction in which the tree stands (the lathe holds the top and bottom of the tree), and the itame finish, in which the blade is applied parallel to the tree (fixing one side of the tree).
SIRI SIRI WOOD TRAY and WOOD Necklace parts
“When you grind with a hand planer, you always cut from top to bottom. If the grain is reversed, it will split and the finish will not be clean. I am working based on judgment.”
For example, the parts of the MOLA MOLA Necklace BUBBLE, which has a pattern with round annual rings when viewed from the side, have a wood finish, and the beech wood jewelry fixtures have a cross grain finish. Whether it's the motor or the hand, when it comes to the processing stage, it's all about how much force is applied and how the chisel is handled. Place your left hand on the chisel base to determine the position of the chisel, and adjust the angle and force of the blade by pinching it with three fingers of your right hand. The octopus on Mr. Watanabe's left side tells the story of such a unique posture. The chisel to hit is a high-speed steel commissioned by a blacksmith in Tsubame Sanjo. You can use round chisels, flat chisels, square chisels and several different blade angles.
“I sharpen the blade each time according to the type of wood I work with. Soft wood such as cypress is sharp, and when working with boards it is dull. We cut it according to the position, but everyone will come up with their own angle as they go along.
The individuality of wood and the relationship of trust with craftsmen
In the factory, there is a complete division of labor, but all work is done in a blink of an eye. There is a famous story that in the olden days, people who saw Unkei's handiwork carving a Buddha statue were astonished as if it had been buried in the tree from the beginning. Looking at Mr. Watanabe's work, I feel like I understand a little more about his feelings. The shape is formed so naturally and without hesitation.
“If you think it looks easy, then you are a craftsman. It is not an easy technique, but there is a sense of pride that it is normal to have such skill and speed. I do a lot of things, and people might think I'm a stubborn person."
A woodworking craftsman who utilizes the properties and individuality of wood created by nature, ascertains the grain of the wood, and uses techniques to create the best shape required. It looked like a relationship connected by a sense of trust without words.
Written by Sanae Kimura
Photo Go Itami