Bringing coolness to the tea room: The sound and history of Nambu wind chimes

A summer teahouse. Small wind chimes hanging from the eaves catch the wind and create a clear, chiming sound. When you close your eyes, the soft, clear sound is like the sound of a highland stream or the chirping of birds in the mountains. The moment the sound reaches your ears, it almost feels like the temperature in your body drops.

These wind chimes are "Nambu Wind Chimes" that originated in the Nanbu region of Iwate. They are individually hand-cast by artisans using Nanbu ironware, a traditional craft known for its quality. The high density of the iron produces a long, clear sound. It is a deep, lingering "tranquil sound" that is different from the light "tinkling" sound of glass chimes.

Nanbu ironware dates back to the mid-Edo period, when the lord of Morioka Domain (formerly Yatsushiro Domain), Nanbu Toshio, invited tea kettle craftsmen from Kyoto. In this area, which is deeply connected to the tea ceremony, a culture of tools such as tea kettles and iron kettles developed, and the techniques were eventually applied to making wind chimes.

In fact, the roots of wind chimes lie in the Buddhist altar implement "futaku." These bell-shaped bells were hung from the four corners of the eaves of temples, and it was believed that the sound they made when swayed in strong winds would ward off evil spirits and protect the sanctuary. Eventually, this belief spread to the homes of aristocrats, and in the Heian period, the custom of hanging them from eaves as a talisman became widespread. From the Meiji period onwards, they became established in ordinary homes as a symbol of summer coolness.

The sound of wind chimes contains high-frequency sounds of over 3,000 Hz, just like the murmuring of a stream or the chirping of birds. It is said to have a soothing effect by pleasantly stimulating the brain and regulating the autonomic nervous system, and since ancient times people have been able to forget the heat and entrust their minds to the sound.

A wind chime is a tool for "listening" to the wind.

In the world of tea ceremony, sound is also a part of the atmosphere. The sound of water boiling, the sound of the ladle hitting the water surface, the rustle of fabric... The seasons come to life in these sounds.

Wind chimes on eaves bring a sense of coolness not just by letting you know the wind is blowing, but also by opening the listener's senses and deepening their connection with the seasons.

This summer, a Nanbu wind chime was hung in the entrance of ZENLAB, and its sound gently brings a coolness to the hearts of all who visit.