Kobe-based company Yamanaka Sangyo Co., Ltd. has launched aizara, a black iron product brand. Metal processor Hiroki Yamanaka was raised surrounded by iron products. But he left the ironworks factory and pursued aesthetically pleasing design work instead. He was reluctant to take over his family company in 2004. That was when he came up with an idea. Yamanaka took the iron his father was processing to a painter. The iron looked beautiful when painted, but the material’s texture was immediately lost. Hiroki thought that the iron would look most appealing if it were left rough... And that’s was led to the creation of aizara’s black iron products.

The black layer refers to an oxidized film that covers the iron prior to painting. The blackened iron is not considered to be a completed piece, so it is not costly. Nonetheless, Yamanaka showed off the unique luster and presence of the blackened iron in its plain form. Thoroughly stripped of its playfulness, the solid black iron gives off an overwhelming textural impression. “The nature of the blackened iron consequently restricts it from being further decorated. Though it’s an iron product, it’s different from European wrought iron products. We’re making something that is more modern, more cool,” says Yamanaka.” The black iron is very popular with discerning architectural firms, which has led to the creation of custom-made products and collaborations.