Photo Essay: Views of the Kajiba – Crossed Heart Forge

Talented Vancouver Island photographer Jordan Wende stopped in at the Island Forge in mid-July to document the atmosphere and some of the work going on. In this installment of the series, several views of the forge, tools, and building.

Photographed and edited by Jordan Wende

Interior Views

Tezuchi hand hammer on the anvil and mukozuchi strikers hammer at the ready.

Sparks bursting out through a handful of fresh charcoal on the forge fire.

Sudare shade hanging across the entrance of the timber frame structure.

Bamboo water scoop and tebouki broom resting across the water bucket next to the anvil.

A view under the lid of the fuigo box bellows.

Kata (templates) hanging below the project rack and above the tong rack.

View from the anvil out the doors and across to the shiageba.

Charcoal screens hanging in the corner near the workbench.

Light from the window spills across kata and tools hanging against tsuchikabe earthen walls.

Exterior Views

Wide lens provides a whimsical perspective of the kajiba on the final forging day.

Sorting and cleaning has already begun and spills over into the yard temporarily.

see the rest of the series