Evaluation of Metal Wire Network ‘Kana-ami’ Structure Between Expert and Non-Expert

As well known, Kyoto was a capital city of Japan with one thousand years history. The long ancient culture brings out a serious of traditional craft products, such as ‘Kana-ami’ — a kind of metal wire network. ‘Kana-ami’ was all made by hand work, for this reason there was no industrial pollution produced during the manufacturing process. In other words, ‘Kana-ami’ is a kind of green manufacturing product, whose processing motion and working experience make a big effect on final products’ quality. Product’s quality was judged by the standard structure of ‘Kana-ami’, which was established and developed in the long course of history and culture. That aesthetical standard has already been consistently rooted into Japanese peoples’ heart deeply. Dated back to around 50 years before, there were about 30 handmade wire net shops in Kyoto. However, it has decreased dramatic until 7 shops now. Therefore, it is urgent time to pay attention to this severe reality and try to do something to keep this traditional culture wealth and continue green manufacturing technique, skill to the next generation. In this research, cooperating with ‘Kanaami Tsuji’ workshop, the excellent products of Mr.Tsuji and his son were chosen as the investigation subjects for Kana-ami’s structure comparison. As well known, ‘Kana-ami’ product made by Mr.Tsuji have already been widely accepted and preferred among Japanese people, even his son’s finish also has beautiful looking. Therefore, the main target of this study was to clarify the difference in shape and hexagon structure of ‘Kana-ami’ products made by Mr.Tsuji and his son through mathematical measurement. Based on this structure evaluation system, hexagon angles and length were discussed and analyzed in order to help his son and other beginners to inherit this Japanese traditional craft technology.