Today, I would like to introduce "Jizaikagi".
Even if it is a free hook, there should be few people who immediately think of it.
But you might be able to tell by looking at it.
Yes, this is a tool that is used together with the hearth.
The irori is a place where the family gathers for warmth, light, and cooking.
It is exactly the belly button of Japanese house life.
Many people may have an image of pots and iron kettles hanging on the hearth.
It is this universal hook that hangs these.
The hearth's right-hand man, who makes the hearth the navel of life.
It's hard to tell from the photo, but this free hook is a great item that can be easily adjusted up and down.
There is a hook at the end of the rope for hooking pots, etc., and there is a structure in the middle that allows you to adjust the height.
Some are adjusted with bamboo tubes and levers, some are adjusted with clasps, and the materials are various, such as wood or iron.
Both are very simple structures, but this allows you to adjust the top and bottom.
So, what is good about adjusting the top and bottom is when cooking such as simmered dishes,
Instead of adjusting the fire itself, they adjusted the height of the pot.
Of course, you can't adjust the heat to high or low with the knob on the stove like you do now, so it's a very rational system.
In addition, the interesting thing about the universal hook is its design.
There are various designs of crossbars that can be used as leverage.
The most common ones are fish, as you can see in this photo.
This also has the meaning of serving as a lucky charm such as sea bream and carp,
As the hearth controls fire, it also has the wish not to cause a fire.
It seems that there are many chief fish and sea.
There is also a theory that it is an offering to the god of fire.
In addition, there are many lucky charms such as folding fans and hammers.
Even though it is a necessity of life, it is smart to incorporate a design.
The desire to enjoy life has never changed.
Middle ground