HIMENO SAKU
Rare handcrafting skill
Nowadays, there are only a few people who manufacture hand hammered pots in Japan. “Himeno saku” has been manufacturing hand hammered pots in Osaka since 1924. Each pot is elaborately hand hammered by Hisakazu Himeno, who is the 3rd generation craftsman. His works are beloved by chefs and home cooks for its durability and function. Aluminum and copper is a rather soft metal though can be sturdy by hammering.
The hammering process increases the surface area and let the heat transfer evenly. The thick metal can gently transfer heat and prevents the food from burning.
Manufacturing process
Mr. Himeno makes each pan with a thick aluminum sheet by using a hammer. He strikes it at regular intervals, drawing a circle from the center of the bottom of the pot. To create beautiful hammer marks, he never strikes the same spot twice. The seasoned instincts and skills of the artisan, honed over many years, result in perfectly aligned hammer marks. Only the corners where the bottom and sides are welded are meticulously hammered multiple times to increase strength. After the hammering is complete, the pot undergoes cleaning and polishing, and then it is stamped with the Himeno-Saku logo before the handles are attached. Each pan is crafted under the skilled expertise of the artisan from start to finish.
