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Tesse Hongo’s “Kumi-Tetsu” Series
At Tesse Hongo, we are proud to introduce the “Kumi-Tetsu” series as part of our product lineup.
The Yotaka Festival, a traditional event passed down in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, has long incorporated classical Japanese patterns such as the Shippo (seven treasures) pattern and Asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern. These intricate designs, reminiscent of Kumiko woodworking, create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow when illuminated within the festival’s grand lanterns. By merging this traditional aesthetic with Japan’s renowned ironworking techniques, we aim to generate a completely new and unparalleled value in the world.
Recreating the delicate craftsmanship of Kumiko in iron is not merely a technical challenge—it is an artistic endeavor that bridges tradition and innovation. While wooden Kumiko carries a sense of warmth and softness, our iron-crafted Kumiko introduces a new texture and presence, transforming an inorganic material into something profoundly expressive. This is not just a craft, but a fusion of Japan’s festival culture and the soul of master craftsmanship.
Tradition does not exist solely to be preserved—it must evolve through new interpretations and advanced techniques to remain relevant for the future. Through our iron Kumiko inspired by festival aesthetics, we aim to showcase the beauty of Japan and the potential of ironworking to the world, creating a truly unique and irreplaceable value.
※ As of March 2025, the “Kumi-Tetsu” series is available in the Shippo (seven treasures) pattern only.
【shippo】
Structure
A patented three-dimensional structure with superior strength, design, and functionality, free from welding marks.
The Shippo pattern features a continuous circular structure that effectively distributes force. When three-dimensionalized in steel, it exhibits high overall rigidity, making it highly resistant to localized loads. This structure provides durability, fire resistance, load-bearing capacity, seismic resistance, and security that cannot be achieved with wood. Additionally, the three-dimensional Shippo pattern allows light to pass through, enabling unique lighting and shadow effects. Viewed from the front, it emphasizes the transparency of the circular “lines,” while a slight change in angle creates a sense of shielding, offering a distinctive three-dimensional aesthetic.
With a patented manufacturing process and structure, this product achieves a pure expression of the traditional Japanese Shippo pattern without any welding marks, preserving its beauty and craftsmanship.
Coating
A unique expression exclusive to Tesse Hongo, achieved through special thermal spraying.
For Tesse Hongo’s brass products, a thermal spray coating is applied. This innovative coating technique involves melting metal or ceramic materials at high temperatures and spraying them onto the surface of a base material to form a protective layer. This process enables the creation of a hard, wear-resistant surface that prevents deterioration from impact and extends the product’s lifespan. It also forms a layer resistant to oxidation and corrosion, minimizing rust over time. Furthermore, since it does not require harmful solvents, it has a lower environmental impact compared to conventional painting methods.
The interior of the pattern features a texture reminiscent of red rust, while the outer surface and sides exhibit the warm golden glow characteristic of brass. The ability to create contrasting finishes between the interior and exterior is a unique technique exclusive to Tesse Hongo, making these products truly one-of-a-kind and impossible to replicate.
