Report on the Historical materials (Carpentry Tools) of Tenaka-Myoo-Taro

Sharpening Stones and Ritual Implements

Abstract

This report is a continuation of a survey of carpentry tools formerly owned by the Tenaka family, among the materials related to Tenaka-Myoo-Taro, a cultural property designated by Isehara City. 1. Fifty-nine sharpening stones, 27 polishing-related tools, and 14 ceremonial tools used until the early Showa period (mid-20th century) were examined and their findings are described. 2. Many of the sharpening stones were used for engraving chisels and knives used to process curved parts in shrine and temple carvings and portable shrine production. On the other hand, there were few whetstones used for plane work, which is often used in construction, and it is thought that most of them were lost for some reason when the business was closed down.. 3. Ritual implements consisted of tools, costumes, and accessories. The main tools are ornately decorated, suggesting the prestige of the master carpenter family. The tools are thought to have been made in the mid-Edo (late 18th century) or Meiji period (late 18th century), and the costumes in the Meiji to Taisho period (early 20th century).