|
The work done in the zuku-oshi method differs only slightly from the kera-oshi method. In comparing the two, the special features of the zuku-oshi method
are that:
- Akome iron sand is used as the base material;
- The position of the tuyere is low and at a slightly less than 1/2 incline,
and so air can be blown throughout the whole of the lower part of the furnace;
- The angle of the lower part of the furnace is large; and
- Iron sand is added after the charcoal.
Another difference from the kera-oshi method is that this method involves raising
the temperature of the entire furnace. Furnace life is long for this reason,
and a four-day long process was mainly used.
In the Chugoku region there were numerous zuku-oshi-style tatara throughout
the
San'in and San'yo districts. The zuku-oshi method was also the main iron-manufacturing
process used outside of the Chugoku region.
 |
Tools used to
collect iron sand (Wako Museum)
|
|
page top
back to top
previous page
next page
