Iyo Kanagu

Lead

Iyo Kanagu (伊予金具) refers to the tradition of metal fittings and hardware produced in Iyo Province, corresponding to present-day Ehime Prefecture, from the Edo period to the modern era. The craft encompasses iron and metal fittings used in architecture, storage furniture, tools and daily life. Iyo Kanagu represents a regional metalworking tradition shaped by coastal commerce, local building practices and sustained artisanal continuity.

Historical Background

Iyo Province developed as an important coastal region facing the Seto Inland Sea, benefiting from maritime trade and shipbuilding activities during the Edo period. The construction of houses, storehouses, shrines and boats created continuous demand for durable metal fittings. Local metalworkers produced kanagu suited to wooden architecture and maritime environments, emphasizing strength and resistance to wear. Following the Meiji Restoration, industrialization and new materials influenced production, but traditional metal fittings continued to be made for repairs, heritage buildings and specialized needs. The craft persisted into the modern era as part of Ehime’s regional material culture.

Materials and Techniques

Iyo Kanagu is primarily produced from iron, valued for its structural strength and versatility. Artisans forged fittings such as hinges, brackets, hooks, reinforcements and hardware components through heating and hammering. Casting was used for certain standardized or decorative elements. Surface treatments focused on corrosion resistance, especially important in coastal conditions, resulting in stable and practical finishes.

Stylistic Characteristics

The stylistic character of Iyo Kanagu is functional and restrained. Forms are simple, compact and proportioned for practical use. Ornamentation is minimal, with aesthetic value derived from solid construction, surface texture and material presence. The appearance reflects the craft’s close relationship with everyday architecture and maritime life.

Regional Schools and Workshops

Iyo Kanagu developed through local workshops serving regional communities rather than through formalized schools. Knowledge was transmitted through apprenticeship and hands-on workshop practice, ensuring continuity of techniques across generations. Shared environmental and functional requirements contributed to a consistent regional approach to metal fittings.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Iyo Kanagu illustrates the importance of metal fittings in supporting coastal architecture and daily life in western Japan. The craft provides insight into how maritime conditions influenced regional metalworking practices. As part of Ehime Prefecture’s cultural heritage, Iyo Kanagu contributes to understanding utilitarian craftsmanship beyond elite or ceremonial contexts.

Modern Production and Continuity

In the modern period, Iyo Kanagu continues primarily through restoration work, custom fabrication and limited artisanal production. While mass-produced hardware dominates contemporary construction, traditional methods are preserved through cultural heritage initiatives and continued use in historical building maintenance.

Representative Examples

Representative examples of Iyo Kanagu include iron hinges, brackets and fittings used in traditional houses, storehouses and boats in Ehime Prefecture. Historical examples are preserved in regional museums and architectural heritage sites.

References

• Museum catalogues of Shikoku regional crafts
• Studies on Iyo Province architecture and maritime culture
• Scholarly publications on Japanese architectural metalwork
• Research on regional metalworking traditions of western Japan