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(3) Barrel Marking |
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The barrel used for shoyu and sake was generally made of cedar (Cryptomeria japonica).
This is because the material is easily obtained, cedar being a tall evergreen tree suited
to the Japanese climate and distributed throughout Japan, and is comparatively soft
and easy to work with. Furthermore, natural chemical substances such as terpene, etc
(See note), in cedar create an environment that makes it difficult for microorganisms
to proliferate in barrels made from this wood. (Note) Terpene,etc.: a group of organic compounds containing two or more isoprene units isolated from essential oils and natural resins. |
| The barrel consists of a number of staves, a bottom and a lid, the headings, composed of one solid piece or several pieces of wood, respectively, and hoops made of metal, bamboo, or cords. Tightening the hoops prevents the contents from leaking as well as the bottom or the lid from coming off. |
｜Exhibition TOP｜
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