その他
<Bamboo and Wood>
内子和蠟燭
Uchiko Warosoku
蝋生産で日本一の生産量を誇りました。木蝋はハゼノキ(英名・Japanese wax tree)や漆の果実を原料とするもので、石油に変わるまでは蝋燭や化粧品など広く使用さ れていました。内子ではこの木蝋を素手で転がしながら芯に擦り付け、乾かす「生掛け(きがけ)」と呼ばれる作業を繰り返し行います。すべての工程が手作業で行われるこの製法を守っているのは、一軒のみとなっていますが、色も絵も付けずに仕上げる素朴な趣が独特で、温かみのある灯に心を癒されます。


Uchiko has the largest wax production in Japan. Traditionally, wax was sourced from the fruit of the Japanese wax tree and lacquer tree and became widely used in candles and cosmetics before being replaced by petroleum. In Uchiko candle-making, all steps are performed by hand; wood wax is rolled with bare hands while being rubbed onto the wick, then left to dry, a process known as "kigake." Only one store still preserves this manufacturing method, which is unique in its simple style, with no color or painting. The candles’ warm light is soothing to the soul.
