Descriptions:
At a high school in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, a master held an on-site class to deepen the understanding of tiles, and students tried their hand at making onigawara tiles from clay. The on-site lecture, held at Shiroishi Technical High School in Shiroishi City, is an annual effort by the Prefectural Tile Factory Business Association to help the younger generation deepen their understanding of tiles, which are in decline. On September 13, 27 first-year architecture students participated. After receiving an explanation of the history and characteristics of tiles, the students tried their hand at making onigawara tiles from clay. Mr. Akihiko Nakamura of Nakamura Onigawara Manufacturing Co., Ltd. “Place a piece of clay in the middle of the oni tile and press it with your palm.” The students took out the clay placed in the mold and finished by adding their own horns to the 15cm square onigawara. High school student: “It was difficult, but I’m glad I was able to do it better than I expected.” “I’m interested in tiles and wanted to learn about them someday, so it was a very valuable experience.” The Onigawara tiles made by the students were completed after drying. Afterwards, they will be exhibited at the school festival on October 26.