NIPPON Kichi - 日本吉

2007/4/13

熊谷志衣子 Kumagai Shiiko Shiiko Kumagai

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Shiiko Kumagai is the 15th-generation head of Morihisa Iron Studio that has produced Nanbu cast iron ware, a traditional handicraft in Morioka area in Iwate prefecture. Ms. Kumagai is Japan’s first female “Kamashi (caster).”
Born in 1946, she learned metal work as a student. She succeeded to her family business in 1993. Her works have distinctively gentle forms. She has been awarded a lot of prizes including Houunsai Soshitsu Sen Iemoto Shorei Prize for “Marugama (a round teakettle)” in 1990, and the Prime Minister’s Prize at the National Traditional crafts Exhibition for “Kushime round iron kettle” in 1991.
Nanbu cast ironwork dates back to the 17th century, when craftsmen practiced in the art of making chagama (a kettle for the tea ceremony) were invited to Morioka from Kyoto. Being protected by the domain and blessed with fine iron production, making of iron casting became established in Iwate area. Nanbu cast ironwork has been highly valued up to the present time.
Taking advantage of her skills in metal work, Ms. Kumagai has been creating very original works. Through the process of trial and error, she has been producing innovative products that revitalize this traditional handicraft.

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address
1-6-7 Minami-Oodoori, Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan 020-0874
name
Shiiko Kumagai
phone
019-622-3809




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