Q3. As a craftsman what do you feel or keep as something important?
Tool making***. In the past I cut times for meals or sleep to do so. Also, in the end it is important to make the customers happy. It’s to work meticulously. In cutting away carefully, it is easier to lacquer and it becomes beautiful. If the lacquer is good, putting on the metal parts goes smoothly too. Every procedure is connected. The experience of the entire past 60 years is alive in the work done day to day. Even the few years of doing small tasks, the desk and stool made under the instruction of a western furniture teacher, the techniques in making cupboards, the times spent just watching the master are all alive.
Q4. Thoughts on the Monamaya of tomorrow?
I think young people should make more and more. Right now we are challenging ourselves to make new products that fit the modern lifestyle but there are some things I can’t do. Even if there are awkward jobs there are techniques to be learnt and developed in the process. Whilst doing something new it would be great if I can pass on techniques to the next generation.
***Each craftsman has his own (curated) tools. Even with a chamfer plane the blade is adjusted or the base is made in order that it is easy to use. To be able to make one’s own tools is another skill of the craftsman.