also: いもじ
noun
Refers to a craftsman who casts metal, especially in traditional contexts. The reading いものし is standard; いもじ is a less common variant.
祖父は鋳物師として、寺の鐘を作っていた。
My grandfather worked as a caster, making temple bells.
この地域には昔、多くの鋳物師が住んでいた。
Long ago, many founders lived in this area.
鋳造工 is a more modern, industrial term for a foundry worker, while 鋳物師 often carries a traditional or artisanal nuance.
Compound of 鋳物 (いもの, 'cast metal') and 師 (し, 'master, craftsman'). The alternate reading いもじ is a euphonic change (連濁) of し to じ.