Arakawa's Artisans
Arakawa Ward Traditional Crafts Preservation Society
Artisanal Skills Still Passed Down Today in Arakawa
Artisanal Skills Still Passed Down Today in Arakawa
Shamisen
The instrument is said to have originated during the Eiroku era, when the “jabisen” (snake-skin shamisen) was introduced from Ryukyu. Subsequently, the skin used for the body evolved from snake skin to cat and dog skin, and the modern form of the shamisen—played with a plectrum—was established. During the Edo period, it became widely popular alongside the rise of performing arts such as Kabuki and Ningyo Joruri.
The production of the shamisen involves a division of labor among various stages, including the making of the neck, the crafting of the body (using paulownia wood), and the skin stretching. Within the district, the technique of skin stretching—the process of stretching the skin over the body—is still being passed down today.
The Work of an Artisan
Replacement Work①Choosing the Skin
②Moisten the skin
③Remove cuticles
④Cut the skin with a wood chisel
⑤Apply glue to the body
⑥Place the skin on the body
⑦Tie the rope
⑧Drive in a wedge
⑨Use Moji
⑩Let the glue dry
11. Remove the wood stop
12. slap