Underground Boss; Inexperienced Miner from Hiroshima
1958 - 1963

Kogashira: Saikogakari Gembain; Shinzan no Hiroshima Kofu
[Underground Boss; Inexperienced Miner from Hiroshima]
21.2 x 30.3 cm Ink Painting

Text at the Right End
The underground boss who supervised miners at workings was called kogashra or toryo in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The inclined and dipped sides of an underground slope were called a "kata" and a "fuke" respectively.

Text at the Bottom
An inexperienced miner from Hiroshima hit silicified wood with his pickax. He was very much astonished to see sparks fly out and the squashed tip of his pickax. This is a true story occurred at Kamimio Coal Pit in 1899.

Text at the Top Center
Hirojin: "Toro san (Toryo san), toro san! Kiriha no muko kara hi ga deyanshita ga. Nanzo ningen ni waza wa shinsarumeh ka."
Toryo: "Naandaa? Kono fuukee ga!"
Hirojin: "Fuukee ja gansen. Kaataa de gansu."

Man from Hiroshima: Boss, boss! Sparks flew out from the coalface. I wonder if they can hurt us.
Kogashira: What? You fuukee (regional word for funuke i.e. fool or coward)!
Man from Hiroshima: It's not the fuukee (fuke or dipped side), but the kaataa (kata or inclined side).

Lettering at the Top and Next to the Bottom Left
The silicified wood (matsuiwa) hanging from the roof was called tsuriiwa.
The same rock at the bottom was called shikiiwa.


Translation Assisted by Mr. Nathan Johndro

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