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<\/p>\nTsuiki copperware is created by hammering and shaping a single sheet of copper into a finished item, and a great variety of tools are required for this process: in all, Gyokusendo still uses around 300 iron shaping rods and approximately 200 kinds of hammers. Each blow of the craftsman\u2019s hammer compresses the copper sheet and gradually shapes it into the object desired, with many years of experience being required to master this difficult skill. As it is hammered, the copper becomes harder, and it is therefore necessary to soften it again at regular intervals in the furnace, in order to maintain its workability. This hammering and heating can be repeated as many as 20 times during the creation of a simple kettle.<\/p>\n
After its shaping is complete, the product acquires its final hue using traditional coloring methods handed down through several generations, often involving the use of natural Japanese privet wax to create contrasting colors and textures. Finally, tin is usually also plated onto the interior of the item, for ease of daily use. The beauty of the finished Gyokusendo copperware item then stands in quiet testimony to the craftsman\u2019s mastery of the various skills required for its creation.<\/p>\n
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\nSome hammers are shared between artisans, but most of them are for individual use.
\nAfter many years of training, artisans find some hammers more precise because of their shape, handle length or width,<\/p>\n
\nToriguchi<\/h4>\n
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\nIt\u2019s an iron bar to which copperware is held. The name \u201cToriguchi\u201d; bird\u2019s mouth in English, was named by Gyokusendo in the Meiji era.
\nAll are hand-maid and have different uses based on their shape.<\/p>\n
\nRaising (the edge of a copper sheet)<\/h4>\n
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\nRising is raising a copper sheet which is cut in the size of a vessel with a wooden mallet.
\nAfter making large wrinkles on the edge of the sheet, it\u2019s ready for reducing its diameter of the raised part with a hammer.<\/p>\n
\nAnnealing<\/h4>\n
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\nSince copper gets hard as it is hammered, it\u2019s soaked in water after heating in the furnace. \u201cStrike while the iron is hot.\u201d may be a common phrase, but when it comes to copper, it still keeps its softness even after cooling.<\/p>\n
\nReducing (the diameter of the raised part)<\/h4>\n
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\nReducing the diameter of the raised part of a workpiece is accomplished by using various Toriguchi or hammering techniques which do not widen the copper but shrink it into form.<\/p>\n
\nEngraving<\/h4>\n
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\nUsing chisel steels, Vases or Decorative dishes are engraved, carved in relief or inlayed with gold and silver.<\/p>\n
\nShape forming<\/h4>\n