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Japanese Tatara Iron Smelting

Type Object Region Asia Time 600

Tatara iron smelting is a traditional Japanese blast furnace technique using clay furnaces and charcoal reduction of iron sand to produce high-qualit…

Timeline

  1. 700–1185San'in mountainous region · San'inAfter absorbing continental iron-smelting knowledge, Japan developed a tatara blast furnace technique adapted to local iron sand and forest resources, producing sponge iron blocks through continuous bellows-blowing and charcoal reduction.
  2. 1185–1290Bizen–Sanyō smithing belt · Chūgoku RegionAfter the shogunate warrior regime was established, demand for swords and arms greatly increased; tatara iron output rose, tamahagane's status as high-quality sword material was confirmed, and official or private smelting sites appeared in the shugo domains.
  3. 1291–1300Okuizumo Tatara district · San'inAfter the Mongol invasions, replenishment of worn arms and maintenance of gokujin equipment relied on tatara-produced iron; the traditional San'in smelting regions continued under the regent (shikken) regime to supply the shogunate with sword material and iron for farm tools.

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