Scissors

This episode is about scissors and shears. It features a number of renowned contemporary craftsman and the outstanding wares they produce from traditional techniques. The items have both presence and refinement. The show looks at the shears that have evolved for ame-zaiku, the fashioning of animals and other shapes from heated candy – an art form that has existed since the Edo period. The candy must be shaped within the space of about five minutes. The episode focuses on some stunning examples of papercut work, the intricacy and elegance of which have won international acclaim. It also looks at some techniques of flower arrangement made possible by the best of floral shears.