Interview about Tsuzumi Double Sakazuki, winner of the A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award 2023
Tsuzumi has a symmetrical shape with two cups on either end, and each has a different color. You can use Tsuzumi to serve sake, some kind of strong alcohol, or delicacies, but just displaying it as a piece of art could satisfy you because of its nobility and gracefulness. It harmonizes with almost anything. Normally, makie is applied to the body or the inside bottom, but in the case of Tsuzumi, it is positioned as if it looks peeking out from inside. This is the very essence of Japanese beauty, which is modest but impressive. Layered urushi, tamenuri, creates graceful shades in the cup.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIt is beautiful not only as an object of display but also when put to use. If you drink sake with Tsuzumi, the maki-e embellishment will be right in front of you.
There are two notable points. First, its shape resembles the bajouhai (馬上杯), a tall sake cup used in ancient times for drinking sake while seated on horseback. Second, in old Japan, it was customary on certain occasions for people to share a single sakazuki (sake cup) to exchange sake. While an ordinary sakazuki has a single side, the Tsuzumi has two cups, one on either end. This allows you to enjoy two different colors and also facilitates sharing sake, with each person using a different side of the cup.
To begin with, the body of the wooden base is roughly shaped. Tsuzumi has a symmetrical shape with two cups on either end. The one cup of two is shaped with the surface of the inside finely smoothed using the thin metal blade. The rim is very thin, so the turner uses a koma to work on the delicate line of the rim.Of course, such delicate work requires a blade so delicate and keen that it seems to reflect the turner’s mind. Then, the turner is preparing to carve the other end. Before working on the wooden base, she has to carve one of the adjuster parts, the kottori, to make them fit in well with Tsuzumi. Considering its characteristic shape, this process for Tsuzumi would be especially laborious for the turner. The finished side, which has been finely carved, must be connected using the turning machine without being damaged. The komma and kottori should be tightly fitted and work like one part.The turner uses a finished sample to see if the koma and kottori would fit in well with the wooden base that she is about to work on.The next process is shitaji, followed by lacquer application, kyushitsu, and makie embellishment.
You can appreciate its aging with time making its color brighter. Layered urushi creates graceful shades, typically on the rim. I believe the user want to watch over those changes and spend their lives together with them.
The only answer is to let more people know about the beauty of lacquerware. However, it must be genuine lacquerware to truly deserve that title, which attract more people to make them think they want to get familiar with them.
The only answer is to let more people discover the beauty of lacquerware. However, it must be genuine lacquerware—pieces that captivate people and inspire them to want to connect with it more deeply.
The fusion of flowing curves and simple lines brings a clean and elegant atmosphere. At the same time, this captivating flowing line eliminates sharp angles and corners, which are prone to damage in lacquerware. Similarly, the rich luster of natural lacquer helps prevent dirt from adhering.
Even though I actually drew my own image, it was difficult to convey it accurately. Through parting and meeting with craftsmen, I came to realize the importance of encountering someone who can bring my thoughts into form.
There is no need. It comes naturally on its own. If you remain steadfast in your own vision and are able to realize it, everything will fall into harmony, and the best point of balance will naturally emerge.
I believe that the concept of the eight million gods (yaoyorozu no kami) is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. This idea connects to the value of cherishing things, which in turn leads to the respect for people and others. Techniques like kintsugi, where old items are repeatedly given new life and cherished, reflect a tradition that forms the foundation of a world where people respect one another and each individual can live true to oneself.
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