The elegant geometry of woven metal
- Toru practises wire-netting techniques which make kitchen utensils decorative and functional
- Kyoto wire netting utensils are essential to local cuisine
- Through his commitment, he is upholding this craft's history, which is already over ten centuries
Toru Tsuji is the second generation artisan and president of Kanaamitsuji, a 'Kyo-kanaami' ware studio in Kyoto specialising in kitchen utensils rooted in local culinary traditions. Kyo-kanaami ware includes items made with the technique of Kyoto wire netting, a form of wire weaving. Among the iconic, minimalist, and woven utensils are tofu servers and tea strainers made of copper, stainless steel, and other metals. Toru's objects are cherished by chefs. To cater to the modern lifestyle, Toru also crafts other every day items such as coffee utensils and lampshades, as well as wearable accessories. He is always evolving the utility of the traditional craft with the times. Toru's global perspective is rooted in his travels, and he wishes to connect diverse lifestyles around the world through Kyo-kanaami and bring more awareness to the craft and to the community of artisans for the future generation.
INTERVIEW
Until now, the image of craftspeople has been male dominant, but for example my mother was a craftswoman who taught me the importance of making with your hands. To bring awareness to the diversity in this field, at Kanaami-Tsuji we actively hire female apprentices.
My father and I developed a pattern called oyako-ami (father and son weaving), which is one of the patterns we apply in our craft. In addition to this, we use traditional kyo-kanaami techniques such as kiku-dashi (chrysanthemum pattern) and kikko-ami (tortoiseshell weaving).
Designing, crafting and selling our own products, and meeting wonderful friends from all over the world through the common thread of craftsmanship.
We hand weave copper and brass wires – metals that have historical use in Japan for their natural antibacterial properties. We also use stainless steel and silver. We have also developed an original technique of processing machine-woven metal nets in combination with craftsmanship.
2 EXPERIENCES
