Collaborative Research
Research Study of Materials, Manufacturing Techniques, and Production Sites of Historical Artifacts
| Project Title | Scientific Study of Materials and General Chronological Research |
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| Research Title | Research Study of Materials, Manufacturing Techniques, and Production Sites of Historical Artifacts |
| Head of the Research Team | UDAGAWA Takehisa |
| Research Period | 2004–2006 |
| Research Team |
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| Purpose | The purpose of this research is to comprehensively and empirically make clear the actual state of and changes in metal–processing in the pre–modern era. The subjects of the research are artifcacts and excavated metallic products, mainly iron, bronze, gold, silver, and brass (armor, swords, etc.) We will analyze the source sites, differences in materials, levels of processing technology, and production dates of metallic artifacts in different eras, by using scientific methods (Imamura, Nagashima, Saito, Sakamoto, Koseto). With regard to metallic products, we will also clarify their processing areas, the technological characteristics of the processors, and relationships with the users. We will also collect archives, documents, technological books, and ancient literature on metallic processing (Udagawa). This research aims to comprehensively and empirically make clear the actual state of and changes in metal–processing in the pre–modern era, through research conducted in various disciplines. We will collect metallic atrifacts from the pre–modern era while investigating the locations of metallic artifacts owned by museums and held in archives (Sugiyama, Harada). With these collected materials, we will analyze, on a national level, their regionality, the activity of the processors, and the spread and regionality of the users (Udagawa, Miyake, Saito, Takatsuka). We will also proceed with research in order to construct a comprehensive database which would include image information of the collected historical materials (Adachi, Suzuki, Miyata). Regarding gun technology, especially during the early and late Edo period when significant changes occurred, we have been writing for and conducting material surveys for Grants–in–Aid for Scientific Research (B) "A Comprehensive Research on Tradition And Evolution of Gun Technology During the Early and Late Edo Period" (Head: Udagawa, 2006–2008). A non–contact temperature measuring device used in reproducing experiments of the "Okaji process" was purchased through this aid. The research on bronze materials prepared in this study, will be developed with leadership support aid through "A Research on the Estimation of Bronze Production Areas Using Lead Isotope–Ratios in Bronze Products" based on an international exchange agreement between Japan and Korea. |
2006
Progress
| Materials research : April 2006–March 2007
(together with two academic experts, 4 times per month, a total of 48 times) |
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We conducted an inventory survey on the Western–style guns owned by the museum. We surveyed the countries of production, factories, names of guns, firing mechanisms, and other special characteristics and comipiled a database of the results. |
| Sectional meeting: April 6, 2006 |
Studying the results of shooting experiments which were organized in Mar 30–31, 2006.
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| Materials research: May 20–23, 2006 |
Investigating Kunitomo gun manufacture (Kunitomo Teppo no Sato Museum, Nagahama Castle Historical Museum, Nagahama–shi) |
| Materials research: June 21, 2006 |
At Sokichi Tokoro's house, and at Minoru Anzai's, we investigated documents on guns, and on gun manufacturing tools. |
| The conference presentation of results: June 16–18, 2006 |
There was a presentation on the results of research on metallic materials at the meeting of the Japan Society for Scientific Studies on Cultural Properties |
| Materials research: June 25–27, 2006 |
Materials research of guns at Egawa–bunko |
| Materials research: July 1–2, 2006 |
Survey on Hojutsu–hidensho and gun orders owned by the Museum of Japanese Art, survey on Hojutsu–hidensho owned by Osaka Castle. |
| Materials research: July 27, 2006 |
Survey on Western–style guns and training pictures owned by Yasukuni Shrine Shuyukan |
| Sectional meeting: July 6, 2006 |
Saito "On Analyzing Bronze Artifacts" Kameda "Issues Related to Korean Archaeological Materials and Early Bronze Products in Ancient Japan" |
| Field survey: September 2006 |
We organzed a survey and a discussion on reproducing "Ohkaji" at the factory of a swordsmith residing in Shida–gun, Miyagi |
| Field survey: August 20–23, 2006 |
Survey on bronze, gold, copper materials mainly from the Three Kingdoms period, and a research meeting at the National Museum of Korea. |
| Field survey and workshop: November 9–10, 2006 |
Research of materials at Kyoto University Museum excavated from Shichikan Tomb. |
| Materials research: November 9, 2006 |
We summed up the results of the surveys on materials and documents concerning methods of loading Western–style guns, and charts on the structure of bullets and guns in 19th century, and made charts. |
| Research presentation: October 3–November 26, 2006 |
We published the research results in the exhibition "The Introduction of Guns in Japanese History : from Tanegashima to the Boshin War". October 21 Organized the NMJH Forum with the same title. October 14, November 11 Presented the research result in a NMJH lecture. |
| Field survey: November 16–17, 2006 |
Field surveys in Fukuoka and Saga. |
| Field survey: Jan 30–Feb 2, 2007 |
Survey on guns at Nabeshima Chokokan and Saga Castle History Museum. |
| Field survey: February 5–8, 2007 |
Regarding pre–modern iron refining technology, we performed the second process of restoring "Ohkaji" at the factory of a swordsmith residing in Shida–gun, Miyagi. Using a non–contact temperature measuring device (purchased by Grants–in–Aid for Scientific Research (B)) "Comprehensive Research on the Traditions and Evolution of Gun Technology During the Early and Late Edo Period" (Head: Udagawa, 2006–2008) and a digital blowing device, we tried to measure the temperature of the inside of furnace. The results will be presented at the meeting of the Japan Society for Scientific Studies on Cultural Properties, which will be held in June 2–3, 2007 |
| Genreal workshop: March 9, 2006 |
Gave summaries of individual research projects. |
Result
The results of the research on gun technology have been significant. The past research on the history of Japanese guns has dealt with specific themes, so the research was not systemized. We have thoroughly researched numerous manuscripts (Hojutsu–hidensho) and materials of NMJH and managed to systemize our research. The history of guns in Japan ranges from when guns were introduced to Japan in the mid 16th century, until the end of 19th century, the first years of Meiji era. We have divided this era into five periods according to their characterestics, and clarified how the manufacture of guns went through transitions through over time. Also we were very successful in proposing an original vision on gun manufacturing techniques in the late Edo Period, especially for rifles.
A large part of the research results on guns was presented at a lecture at Teppo–kura of Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, "Matchlock Guns as Historical Materials" (Udagawa，June 17), NMJH Special Exhibition "The Introduction of Guns in Japanese History: from Tanegashima to the Boshin War" (October 3–November 26), NMJH Forum " The Introduction of Guns in Japanese History: from Tanegashima to the Boshin War " (October 21), NMJH lecture " The Introduction of Guns in Japanese History: from Tanegashima to the Boshin War " (No. 274, October 14, Takehisa Udagawa), and at "The Reform of the Military System in the Late Edo Period and the Development of Guns" (No. 275, November 11, Toru Hoya). Regarding early gun technology and the spread of guns in Japan, Udagawa has published "Shinsetsu teppo–deinrai" (Heinbonsha shinsho, October 10, 2006).
After performing the live–fire experiment, we managed to measure bullet speeds according to the bullet weight and amount of gunpowder, and the energy of the bullets. As for the effects of shielding, since the bullet impact was larger than predicted and it sometimes penetrated the shielding, validation became about half of what was initially planned. After firing, we used digital cameras and light sources, for which the selection of wavelength is possible, and surveyed the fluorescence reaction and spatial distribution on the surface of matchlock guns. Before and after actual experimental shots of the matchlock guns, we saw changes in wavelength components according to the selections But issues such as whether it was due to fluorescence reactions or not, were left as themes to be considered in more detail in the future. The results of the shooting experiments were shown in the second room of the exhibition mentioned above, "Guns Through Scientific Eyes". The results of the shooting experiments were published in "Teppo–shi Kenkyu" No. 356 (March 2007) as the "Experiments on the Impact of Guns", after it was presented in the 364th meeting of Nihon Juhoshi Gakkai (December, regular meeting).
As for the restoration experiment of "Ohkaji", using a digital blowing device and a temperature measuring device, we managed to determine the conditions such as blowing, temperature rise and maintainence of temperature, and solved some important issues required for restoration. Last year's results were published in "Archaeology and Natural Science", no. 53 (June 2006), as "On the Results of Preliminary Experiments Aiming to Restore 'Ohkaji', a Pre–Modern Era Process". This year's result will be presented at the 24th meeting of Japan Society for Scientific Studies on Cultural Properties, as "Preliminary Experiments Aiming to Restore the Pre–Modern Era Manufacturing Process of 'Ohkaji' Process (2)"
2005
Progress
| Materials research: April 2005–March 2006 (together with two academic experts, 4 times per month, for a total of 48 times) |
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Inventory survey of the Western–style guns owned by NMJH. We surveyed the countries of production, manufacturing, the names of guns, ignition and characteristics, and noted these points as well as compiling the database. The materials owned by BMHJ are limited to small guns and pistols. |
| Sectional meeting: April 11, 2005 |
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| Field survey: May 3, 22, 27, 2005 |
At Sokichi Tokoro's house, and at Minoru Anzai's house, we surveyed documents on guns. Since the number of documents is large, we will continue with the survey in the future. |
| Sectional meeting: June 3, 2005 |
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| Field survey: June 15–July 12, 2005 |
We studied methods for measuring information related to historical materials at the University of Joensuu, Department of Computer Science, Finland. The results were presented (invitational lecture) at the IS&T/SPIE's Symposium on Electronic Imaging, which was organized in San Jose during January 15–20, 2006. We found out that the methods were fully functional for flat objects, but their applicability to solid objects will need to be considered in the future. |
| Field survey: August 7–9, 2005 |
Regarding iron refining technology, we organized a survey on "Oroshi" at the factory of a swordsmith residing in Shita–gun, Miyagi. With several different iron materials, we performed a traditional quality governing technique called oroshi to survey the difference according to materials, and brought back and analysed the products. Unlike industrial products, the process was conducted under uneven conditions of blowing winds and temperature, and we must consider the development of measuring techniques while keeping these facts in mind in the future. |
| Field survey・workshop:August 21–23, 2005 |
We performed materials research on guns and surveyed gun manufacturing techniques at the Kunitomo Teppo no Sato Museum and the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum. In addition to finished guns, we surveyed documents which recorded manufacturing techniques and the tools used, and organized a workshop with collaborators in this research. |
| Field survey: October 11, 2005 |
We analyzed the structure of guns at the Institute of Material Structure Science of the High Energy Accelerator Research Origanization. Until now, we have removed rust from the surface and exposed metallic parts for analysis by electronic microscope, in order to survey the manufacturing techniques of gun barrels. An analysis method which may enable the clarification of manufacturing techniques without destroying the material has been proposed, and we decided to proceed further by considering the conditions of the materials and measurements. |
| Field survey: October 13–14, 24, November 11–12, 28, 2005 |
Survey on guns at Osaka Center for Cultural Heritage, Yasukuni Shrine, Matsumoto Castle, Sanada Treasure Museum, Kitakyushu City Foundation for Promoting Arts and Culture. |
| Field survey: October 18–21, 2005 |
For pre–modern iron refining technology, we performed the first attempt of restoring "Ohkaji" at the factory of a swordsmith residing in Shida–gun, Miyagi. This is the technique of transforming pig iron into black iron, and its heritage has disappeared, but it was one of the important processes for manufacturing gun barrels. The testing was by and large successful, but problems of measuring the temperature inside the furnace remained. |
| Overall workshop:December 12, 2005 |
We summed up the independent research projects, and confirmed future policies. Since age determination, one of the focuses of this cooperative research, is more time consuming than other research, we decided to collect materials for age determination and proceed with the analysis, aiming towards the final year. |
| Field survey: March 30, 31, 2006 |
We performed experiments by live–firing matchlock guns at a shooting range in Tochigi. We measured the bullet speed, and using iron boards, cypress boards, bundles of bamboo and armors as shields, we shot into ballistic gelatin to survey the ballistic force, but since all the shields were penetrated, it was unmeasurable. Next year, we will conduct the experiment again with altered conditions. |
Result
We proceeded with inventory survey on Western–style guns made in Europe or in the United States which are owned by NMJH, and we compiled database entries on about 100 items.
The technology of Western–style guns made in Japan seems to be of Western–style, but the technology is actually Japanese conventional style. For example, a Western–style gun made in Europe or in the United States use many bolts on its gun–engine for assemblly, but Japan–made Western–style guns use set–ins and wedges. The overall form is like a matchlock gun, and only the gun–engine is Western–style, which might be considered as modifications made to conform more closely to Japanese peoples body types. The only materials which we are able to compare are the guns and pistols owned by NMJH, so we must plan a survey on gun forms in Europe and the United States, in order to proceed further with our research.
Regarding Japanese–style guns, we have selected guns which show characteristics of various traditions, and have made precise charts for each gun under the same scale. This year, we surveyed the Inatomi–ryu, Fujioka–ryu, Isenokami–ryu, Kasumi–ryu, and Ogino–ryu. Of these traditions, documents showing the shapes of guns were not discovered, and this became a drawback to the research, but we can manage this through our process. We must also continue with the survey on documents, and collect further data, such as the characteristics of each region, in order to enhance the data.
Using the data collected thus far, we are continuing with engineering research to develop analytic methods, to extract keywords like aim, gunlock, ground plane, mechanisms, and to determine the tradition from images. While previously we could only make determinations through the eyes of skilled researchers based on their experience, we aim to accomplish this using computer software, and to generalize and share the compiled knowledge and experience. According to the results of this year's research, there have been some cases where it was not possible to judge the characteristics from visual images taken from one side only, so for more precise judgements, we decided to focus on developing a method for judging the shape on a three–dimensional level.
As for pre–modern iron refining technology, we performed "Oroshi" and "Ohkaji", and analyzed the materials and products. The purpose of "Oroshi" is to estimate the technique inherited by swordsmiths scientifically, and the purpose of "Ohkaji" is to restore lost techniques and clarify their actual processes. Both of them were basically successful, but we did not manage to control the uneven conditions inside the furnace, especially the temperature and blowing wind, so we must reconsider our measuring methods.
These results will be reflected in the exhibit "The Introduction of Guns in Japanese History", which will be organized in October–November 2006. We also made research videos on the manufacturing techniques of guns, which cannot be sufficiently explained through words and pictures alone.
2004
Progress
First research meeting : May 11, 2004 |
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We discussed the actual process of the research, budget allocation, and the next workshop. We will promote research mainly on materials owned by NMJH, by separating Udagawa's research on metals and guns, and Sugiyama's research on ancient armors. As for information engineering research, it will be conducted according to the progress of the other two studies. |
Second research meeting and workshop: October 20, 2004 |
Research Presentation：
He clarified, using materials and documents owned by NMJH, that the reason for the diversity in the shape of guns was due to their production sites and the schools of artillery, which were run by artillerymen, professionals who teach the usage of artillery. He emphasized that it was necessary to make such basic classifications in order to add historical significance to the survey of the vast number of guns located around the country. He clarified whether it is possible to classify guns from an engineering standpoint using the characteristics presented by Udagawa.
By measuring bullet speed through live–firings with three types of guns, each of different calibers, he observed the changes in ballistic energy according to bullet weights and the amount of gunpowder. In the future, by performing gunshot experiments to measure the intensity of materials, scientific data will be compiled.
Using video images, he explained what viewpoints were necessary for the manufacturing techniques of ancient armors, such as severing, riveting, and covering each armor section, by using armor excavated from the Marozuka Tomb as his example, and emphasized the necessity of conducting research using scientific analytic methods.
He has explained the basic ideas related to the construction of databases and guidelines for their use in this research. Rather than using the existing database, he would like to clariy future directions, for example: referring to absolute dating, the configuration of search keywords, etc.
He has reported the results of radiocarbon dating of iron products excavated from the Aotsuka ancient tomb and its surroundings in Furukawa–shi, Miyagi. |
Result
The results of this research will be published in a research report or book by the end of 2006, and will also be used in a display "The Introduction of Guns in History", which is expected to be held in October 2006.
