Abstract
This report deals with the research into the tools utilized in the production of broad concave tiles and semi-cylindrical tiles in Japan prior to the 8th century, carried out as part of the ‘IRAKA-A Millennium of Tile Roofing’ exhibition held at the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in 2017.
1. The research focused on the tools employed to recreate broad concave tiles and semi-cylindrical tiles using cylindrical molds, as carried out by Kiyokazu YAMAMOTO, a tilemaker and leading expert on ancient tiles.
2. In order to determine how the recreated tools were used and to establish their effectiveness, they were employed to produce tiles （kneading the clay by foot, shaping, drying and firing） then the results compared with tiles actually produced in approximately the 8th century.
3. As a result, it was established that the impressions left by the tools on the finished broad concave tiles and semi-cylindrical tiles were virtually identical to those found on existing tiles, proving the authenticity of the tools and production techniques.
