Mastering Hot Water Bending Wood Techniques with Stunning Annual Ring Patterns aged over 250 years

For the bending process to make a Magemono called "Meimeizara," a tool used to present sweets in a tea ceremony. Hot water is poured onto the wood; this technique is called "yumage." Adding heat softens the wood fibers, making them bendable. Any temperature inconsistency can lead to cracking. Then, the entire piece is bent using a tool called a "hota."
Contrary to common belief, pouring hot water is just a trigger; whether it bends or not is determined during the shaving stage. Next, it is soaked in hot water again and bent with a slightly smaller tool. Gradually, it is turned further and further. Finally, the last step involves bending it all at once by hand, ensuring the wood's surface is protected by a wooden block and secured with clamps. Afterward, it is dipped once more in hot water to align any minor distortions, and then it's left to dry for 2 to 3 days.

The selection of materials is crucial in a carpenter's work. He primarily uses three types of wood: Akita cedar, aged over 250 years, the sacred tree of Danzan Shrine in Nara, known as Yoshino cedar, with a tradition of 800 years, and a rare wood once managed by the Owari Tokugawa family, called Bishu cypress. These woods are carefully dried for over 50 years, ensuring they won't warp when crafted into works of art. This time, Shimtaro is using Akita Sugi, known for its antibacterial properties, to create his piece.

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