If you’re a cellist who refuses to settle for anything but the best instrument, then a pilgrimage to Cremona is a must. Not just the city in Lombardy known for its legendary luthiers like Antonio Stradivari, but also the workshop of master luthier Takao Iwai in Hirakata, near Osaka. Witness his meticulous process of crafting a cello by hand in the captivating ProcessX video above.
Iwai’s workshop pays homage to the rich history of stringed instrument-making in Cremona, where he trained under the renowned luthier Gio Batta Morassi. Morassi, hailed as the godfather of the modern Italian Cremona school, played a significant role in reviving Cremona’s violin-making tradition and sharing it with the world.
Having welcomed students from various countries, Iwai brings his expertise back to Japan, blending a foreign craft with a culture known for its tradition of intricate craftsmanship. If you find yourself in Osaka, don’t miss the chance to visit Tsuruya Gakki in Sakai to witness the artistry of traditional Japanese instrument-making.
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