Japanese Cooper (barrel-maker) constructing a huge barrel
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Japanese Cooper (barrel-maker) constructing a huge barrel
Japanese Cooper (barrel-maker) constructing a huge barrel - reproduction of a Japanese woodblock print on a postcard. Date: circa 1880
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14312842
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Barrel Constructing Cooper Craft Huge Makes Slats Technique Tied Tradesman Barrel Maker
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Japanese Cooper at Work: The Artful Craft of Barrel Making" 2.. This woodblock print, circa 1880, presents an intriguing glimpse into the traditional Japanese craft of cooperage, or barrel making. The image showcases a skilled cooper, deeply focused on his work, as he meticulously constructs a colossal barrel. The barrel, a testament to the cooper's expertise, is depicted in various stages of completion, with wooden slats tied together in a precise, intricate pattern. 3. Description: The Japanese cooper, dressed in a traditional work attire, is seen in the foreground, his chisel poised mid-stroke as he carefully shapes a new slat. The barrel, a massive vat intended for storing precious liquids like sake or soy sauce, looms behind him, its wooden frame taking shape as the cooper adds each new slat. The intricate technique of barrel making is on full display, with the wooden slats tied together using a traditional Japanese knot, known as a "knot of the gods," believed to ensure a watertight seal. 4. Context: Barrel making was an essential trade in Japan, with cooperages found in various regions throughout the country. The craft required a high degree of skill and precision, as the barrels had to be perfectly sealed to prevent leaks and maintain the quality of the stored liquids. The cooper's work was not only a practical necessity but also an art form, with each barrel a unique, handcrafted masterpiece. 5. Conclusion: This woodblock print offers a rare and enchanting look into the world of Japanese cooperage, showcasing the intricate techniques and dedication required to create these magnificent barrels. The cooper's focused expression and the meticulous attention to detail in the print serve as a testament to the enduring importance of traditional craftsmanship in Japanese culture.
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