Brass casting Foundry | Ihada Sand Casting
Introduction
Founded in 1897, a renowned brassware company located in Takaoka City, Japan. This historic establishment is famous for its intricate brass casting techniques that have been passed down over several generations, creating exceptional products known for their longevity and elegant aesthetics.
‘Ihada’ Sand Casting Method
The 'Ihada' technique, a signature of the brass workshop, is a special brass casting method that results in a rustic, raw surface texture, contributing to a unique, timeless appeal that characterizes the brand's products. The 'Ihada' brass casting technique involves a meticulous process that begins with creating a mold from fine sand mixed with binding agents. The mixture is carefully compressed into a shape which will hold the molten brass. This precise process ensures that the resulting object has the signature 'Ihada' rough, matte surface texture. This texture not only adds a unique aesthetic to the products, but it also naturally oxidizes over time, which changes the color of the brass from a bright gold to a complex, patinated hue, further enhancing its unique, rustic charm.
Casting Process
The brass casting technique specifically used by this workshop significantly contrasts with other more common brass casting methods and special finishes. Most conventional techniques involve a high level of polishing and finishing to attain a smooth, glossy surface. Moreover, special finishes typically aim to prevent the natural oxidization process to maintain the original shiny brass appearance. These methods, while providing their own form of visual appeal, miss out on the unique aesthetic and tactile qualities that 'Ihada' imparts to their brass products.
One-Of-A-Kind Technique
In conclusion, the 'Ihada' technique employed by the workshop is not just a casting technique, but a form of artistic expression. It goes against the conventional norms of brasswork, celebrating the raw, unpolished beauty of brass and the natural process of oxidization. This reverence for the inherent qualities of the material and the passage of time that defines their brass casting technique significantly differentiates it from other techniques and special finishes, making its products truly one-of-a-kind.
Photo Credit To FUTAGAMI