Kabazaiku

Kabazaiku (sometimes also spelled kaba-zaiku, in Japanese: 樺細工, or "birch craftsmanship") is the traditional Japanese art of fashioning tea boxes, smoking accessories, and other woodworks out of the bark of a cherry tree. The nomenclature is somewhat misleading, as actual birch bark is almost never used in practice. It is believed that the term 樺, or birch, originally came from the association of white birch or "白樺" with homes in good standing. Thus, 樺 was perhaps used as a marker to signify more the class of artisans more so than the actual art. This, however, is only theory, and currently no explanation is widely-accepted.

Characteristics

Traditional kabazaiku is normally small-scale, and focuses on perfectionist detailing of the usually rounded-shapes made as storage containers for tea and tobacco. Keeping moisture levels relatively constant, the cherry bark acts as a natural insulator against changes in humidity, which is essential in the storage of tea and tobacco leaves. The colour is generally a dark red, partially from the bark itself, and partially from the tree's sap.

Origin

Believed to have originated by Lord Satake in the Northeastern city of Kakunodate, Akita prefecture as a secondary vocation for lower-rank samurai, the tradition is said to be over 200 years old. It is passed on today through artisan workshops in the region. The "Kakunodate Kougei Kyohdohkumiai" museum in the town's samurai district has extensive exhibitions of kabazaiku artwork, as well as regular demonstrations for visitors.

Process

The bark of the abundant native cherry trees is first cleaned and treated to make it smooth and uniform. The wood of the tree itself is cut into the desired shape, the bark is then reapplied to the wood using the sap as an adhesive. The application process involves using a small metal trowel which is heated over a fire. Because every surface requires a separate, independently-shaped piece of bark, the labour is quite time-intensive.

Modern Application

In addition to tea boxes and tobacco accessories, modern kabazaiku craftsman also create larger-scale wooden artworks intended more for display than for specific use. Kabazaiku clocks, storage containers, calligraphy brushes, and sword sheathes are also produced.

External links

In Japanese: http://www.city.semboku.akita.jp/sightseeing/densyo/kaba.html

In English: http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~kougei/e-index.html