JAPANESE TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
In Japan, many daily necessities which are made by using traditional manufacturing methods and raw materials that have been nurtured and inherited through history and climate. Please try incorporating traditional Japanese crafts into your daily life.
OBORI SOMA YAKI (POTTERY)
OBORI SOMA Yaki (Pottery)
Location: Fukushima
History: the end of the 17th century
Obori Soma Yaki is primarily known for producing ceramic pieces coated in a glaze of celadon blue. Crazing (hairline cracks) is a common feature of these wares that makes them even approachable.
History: the end of the 17th century
Obori Soma Yaki is primarily known for producing ceramic pieces coated in a glaze of celadon blue. Crazing (hairline cracks) is a common feature of these wares that makes them even approachable.
koshu lacquered deerhide
KOSHU Inden (Lacquered Deerskin Crafts)
Location: Yamanashi
History: during the late Edo era (1600-1868)
Lacquered deer hide products are soft, strong and light. They are usually decorated with a fine pattern applied in natural lacquer. Their timeless appeal has led to many becoming cherished possessions.
History: during the late Edo era (1600-1868)
Lacquered deer hide products are soft, strong and light. They are usually decorated with a fine pattern applied in natural lacquer. Their timeless appeal has led to many becoming cherished possessions.
Honba Oshima Tsumugi Weaving
HONBA OSHIMA Tsumugi (Pongee)
Location: Kagoshima
History: the beginning of the 18th century
Oshima Pongee is woven after being dyed by the rhaphiolepis umbellata plant and mud with ikat techniques according to the design.
History: the beginning of the 18th century
Oshima Pongee is woven after being dyed by the rhaphiolepis umbellata plant and mud with ikat techniques according to the design.
Hakata doll
HAKATA Ningyo (Dolls)
Location: Fukuoka
History: originated in 1600
Hakata dolls can be roughly categorized by type: beautiful women (bijin), Kabuki, Noh, traditional figures, Taoist or Buddhist figures and children.
History: originated in 1600
Hakata dolls can be roughly categorized by type: beautiful women (bijin), Kabuki, Noh, traditional figures, Taoist or Buddhist figures and children.
Japan Echizen Lacquerware
ECHIZEN Shikki (Lacquerware)
Location: Fukui
History: the 6th century
The emperor recognized the quality of the lacquerer’s work and it is thought that this official encouragement led to the establishment of Echizen lacquerware as a unique style.
History: the 6th century
The emperor recognized the quality of the lacquerer’s work and it is thought that this official encouragement led to the establishment of Echizen lacquerware as a unique style.
TOKONAME YAKI
TOKONAME Yaki (Pottery)
Location: Aichi
History: at the end of the Heian era (794-1185)
The red color from the iron in the clay is characteristic of Tokoname Yaki. Items that enhance the character of the clay, glazed products and many other items are available.
History: at the end of the Heian era (794-1185)
The red color from the iron in the clay is characteristic of Tokoname Yaki. Items that enhance the character of the clay, glazed products and many other items are available.
SATSUMA-YAKI (CERAMICS)
SATSUMA Yaki (Ceramics)
Location: Kagoshima
History: the 16th century
Satsuma Yaki comprises six historical brands, namely, Tateno, Ryumonji, Inawashirogawa, Nishimochida, Hirasa and Tanegashima, which can be separated into white pottery, black pottery and porcelains.
History: the 16th century
Satsuma Yaki comprises six historical brands, namely, Tateno, Ryumonji, Inawashirogawa, Nishimochida, Hirasa and Tanegashima, which can be separated into white pottery, black pottery and porcelains.
EDO OSHI-E (EMBOSSED CLOTH PICTURES)
EDO Oshi-e (Embossed Cloth Pictures)
Location: Tokyo
History: the late Edo era
Edo Oshi-e often feature portraits of Japanese actors, but can also be created to depict realistic imagery, caricatures, landscapes, and plants and animals.
History: the late Edo era
Edo Oshi-e often feature portraits of Japanese actors, but can also be created to depict realistic imagery, caricatures, landscapes, and plants and animals.
OUCHI-NURI (LACQUERWARE)
OUCHI-NURI（LACQUERWARE)
Location: Yamaguchi
History: the Muromachi era (1392-1573)
Ouchi lacquerware techniques have been passed down from ancient times in Yamaguchi, which came to be known as the "Kyoto of the West."
History: the Muromachi era (1392-1573)
Ouchi lacquerware techniques have been passed down from ancient times in Yamaguchi, which came to be known as the "Kyoto of the West."
KOSHU-SUISHO-KISEKI-ZAIKU
KOSHU Suisho Kiseki Zaiku (Crystal Carving)
Location: Yamanashi
History: the middle of the Edo era (1600-1868)
Koshu crystal carvings comprise a variety of products that are crafted to bring out the individual characteristics of the natural crystals.
History: the middle of the Edo era (1600-1868)
Koshu crystal carvings comprise a variety of products that are crafted to bring out the individual characteristics of the natural crystals.
TOKYO GINKI（SILVERSMITHING)
TOKYO Ginki (Silversmithing)
Location: Tokyo
History: the 18th century
Tokyo silversmithing captures the true essence of metalworking, producing long-lasting, elegant products with both hammered and engraved patterns and designs.
History: the 18th century
Tokyo silversmithing captures the true essence of metalworking, producing long-lasting, elegant products with both hammered and engraved patterns and designs.
Sekishu-washi
SEKISHU Washi (Papers)
Location: Shimane
History: Heian era (794-1185)
Sekishu washi paper has been made without interruption for nearly 1,300 years. At first, it was made by farmers in their spare time but later became the work of specialized artisans.
History: Heian era (794-1185)
Sekishu washi paper has been made without interruption for nearly 1,300 years. At first, it was made by farmers in their spare time but later became the work of specialized artisans.