Misc.
Kettle Suspension Hook (jizai kagi)
Japan. Meiji period (1868–1910), late 19th century
Keyaki (zelkova wood, a variety of Asian elm wood)
94 cm (37 in.)
In the centre of the main room of a Japanese house of the Edo and Meiji period stood an open hearth in which a small charcoal fire constantly lit. From a heavy rope tied to the roof beams hung a large, wooden hanger for an iron kettle or pot. The opposite end of the rope passed through an adjuster, or friction lock (yokogi), above an iron hook. The weight of the kettle or pot on the iron hook pulled down the rope and jammed it tight inside its hole through the crosspiece. Moving the yokogi to a horizontal position released the tension and permitted the kettle to be raised or lowered, as needed. As the hearth was always in plain view the practical kettle-hook device acquired a stylish dimension, with well-to-do farmers or merchants vying for impressive examples made of fine wood, carefully formed, and finished. The most expensive wood for this purpose was zelkova, a sturdy, long-lasting hardwood with a stunning dense grain that, in addition, requires little maintenance.
Kettle Suspension Hook (jizai kagi)
Japan. Meiji period (1868–1910), late 19th century
Keyaki (zelkova wood, a variety of Asian elm wood)
94 cm (37 in.)
In the centre of the main room of a Japanese house of the Edo and Meiji period stood an open hearth in which a small charcoal fire constantly lit. From a heavy rope tied to the roof beams hung a large, wooden hanger for an iron kettle or pot. The opposite end of the rope passed through an adjuster, or friction lock (yokogi), above an iron hook. The weight of the kettle or pot on the iron hook pulled down the rope and jammed it tight inside its hole through the crosspiece. Moving the yokogi to a horizontal position released the tension and permitted the kettle to be raised or lowered, as needed. As the hearth was always in plain view the practical kettle-hook device acquired a stylish dimension, with well-to-do farmers or merchants vying for impressive examples made of fine wood, carefully formed, and finished. The most expensive wood for this purpose was zelkova, a sturdy, long-lasting hardwood with a stunning dense grain that, in addition, requires little maintenance.