The Incredible Story of the Japanese Watering Can
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1. What is a Japanese Watering Can?
Among the most iconic gardening tools, we find the Japanese watering can . This utensil, formed from gleaming copper, has survived the ages, becoming a universal reference.
It seduces as much for its technical characteristics as for its unparalleled aesthetics. Its very long copper-colored spout ends in a watering apple dotted with a thousand holes . It is obviously the watering can of choice for Bonsai growers 🌳.
Discover with us the Watering Can that we have modestly called: the Rolls-Royce of irrigation.
2. The Incredible Story of the Negishi Watering Can Factory
If you buy a Japanese copper watering can today, know that it was handcrafted by the Negishi family …
The first generation of this Japanese dynasty was originally specialized in metallurgy and worked on temple roofs. They used copper for roofing. The manufacture of watering cans only arrived from the second generation of coppersmiths . The early days of this family business were however difficult, because of the often better copies made by other coppersmiths.
It was while working with bonsai specialists that something clicked. The shape of the watering can was the result of a long process of trial and error. The shape of the long spout chosen was thought to be the best way to water bonsai.
Today, Negishi Industry is the only manufacturer of copper bonsai watering cans in Japan. Enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Negishi Industry in Tokyo's residential Sumida district to purchase one. Yoichi Negishi , a third-generation member, then became head of the family workshop.
This artisan heir is renowned for his diligence, honesty, and hard work, which he is said to have inherited from his father. To achieve the tightest possible welds, he claims to heat the brown metal to over 1300°C !
However, unable to be "all in one," this family is now forced to outsource the repair of their watering cans. They teach their skills to foreign craftsmen who could repair them outside the land of the rising sun.
Paradoxically, Negishi's works do not bear the family seal or crest. This means that their design is not yet complete. This modesty is common in Japan, where the desire for excellence is one of the main sources of social recognition.
3. Why is the Japanese Watering Can the best?
A watering tool with unrivaled performance
The Japanese watering can's very long spout offers an exceptional grip. Place one hand on its barrel and the other on the first third of its spout for unparalleled dosage precision. The weight of these watering cans is distributed along their entire length, making them particularly pleasant to use.
The vast majority of them are equipped with a watering nozzle , also called a rosette or nozzle . These are dotted with tiny holes, producing fine droplets.
The length of the spout, combined with the number and proximity of the holes, gives the impression of very dense rain. The water from the long stem benefits from strong, yet gentle, pressure. It protects the most fragile branches and the beautiful moss from over-watering.
This design allows for abundant and generous watering of the Bonsai, with the softness of morning dew . The word used for watering can in Japanese is a loanword from Portuguese: Jorro, which means " rain dew ".
A legendary vintage decorative object
Depending on your age, you've probably known someone who collected copper kitchen utensils and proudly hung them on their walls (saucepans, frying pans, etc.). Copper is one of the noble metals, particularly prized in vintage interior design.
Some Japanese watering cans use different shades of copper alloys , for an ever more luminescent effect.
4. The difficult maintenance of this Copper Watering Can
Despite all its qualities, this watering can suffers from one nasty flaw. Its gleaming copper is particularly susceptible to dirt and oxidation. Just like silverware, you need to polish your copper watering can regularly. This task will be more or less difficult and time-consuming, depending on the complexity of the shapes of your watering can.
After hydrating your shrub, we recommend wiping up any remaining water and not letting water sit in the watering can when not in use. Lightly wipe the inside and outside of the watering can and let it dry in a well-ventilated area. Like brass watering cans, they do not respond well to enclosed, humid spaces (such as wine cellars) or direct sunlight.
After long-term use, some changes to copper and brass will be noticeable. But as long as care instructions are followed, this is simply the natural process of the metal acquiring character with age (much like leather!).
With proper care, the metal will remain in good condition for at least ten years. In case of damage or breakage, the product can be returned to Negishi in Tokyo for repair, subject to payment of shipping and repair fees.
Another delicate point is that this type of watering can is particularly fragile and bulky. These two points combined make it easy to knock and dent, when your home isn't suitable for its storage. Needless to say, the reflections of copper particularly highlight any bumps and deformations. If you dream of such a watering can for your plants, we recommend that you make sure you can maintain and store it properly, given its price.
5. Where to buy your Japanese watering can today?
If you want to buy a genuine Negishi watering can imported from Japan, you can order it from a partner store . However, your budget should be between €75 and €250. You will also need to take all the necessary maintenance and storage precautions to preserve it over time.
We recommend this purchase for bonsai breeders and Japan enthusiasts.
If you find copper beautiful and are on a tighter budget, we have what you need. This one is made of stainless steel and will require no maintenance.
We recommend it to gardeners who grow indoor plants and would like a beautiful watering can to take care of their decor!
Discover our copper watering can by clicking on the photo below!
