[Nationwide ] Six attractive traditional crafts! Can be used with care in everyday situations.
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2023-10-05
Japan is a country that has inherited and accumulated various traditional techniques throughout its long history. As a remnant of this tradition, many fascinating traditional crafts remain to this day. Traditional crafts are those that have been designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry after meeting specific conditions and legal regulations. This article picks up six representative examples of traditional crafts handed down throughout Japan.
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Table of Contents
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Arita-yaki, Imari-yaki
Arita-yaki porcelain is highly durable and is produced in a variety of types, from fine art to daily necessities. Arita-yaki refers to porcelain produced in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, and the surrounding area, and is famous for its traditional manufacturing techniques, which are said to have a history of more than 400 years and are widely used in everyday scenes such as the home dining table.
The origin of Arita porcelain can be traced back to the 16th century when Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea. It is said that the production of porcelain, which was thought to be impossible in Japan, began when potters brought from Korea discovered a ceramic stone called rhyolite at Mount Izumiyama in Arita. Incidentally, because it was shipped by ship from Imari Port for distribution, it is also called Imariyaki throughout Japan.
Lightweight and durable
Arita-yaki porcelain has the advantage of being light and durable. The surface texture is very smooth, and it is often decorated with highly artistic designs. Just one Arita-yaki porcelain vessel displayed in a room will add a touch of elegance to the space.
Today, Arita-yaki is famous for its wide range of applications, one example being the filter used for coffee. The invisible fine mesh structure of the filter produces a mellow coffee with less tanginess and bitterness. The filter is also known for its ability to pass through all types of beverages, resulting in a smooth, smooth taste and throat.
ironware from the south
The art of casting began in the Edo period and was fostered under the patronage of the Morioka and Sendai feudal lords. Known today as Nambu ironware, it is produced in Morioka and Oshu cities. The simple yet deep texture is both traditional and very cool, and its high artistic quality has attracted attention overseas. Recently, colorful and modern products have also been developed, which are popular because they blend well with interiors.
Two major types
Although nowadays the term Nambu ironware can be described in one word, it can be divided into two main types according to historical background and location: one is "Morioka Nambu Tekki "and the other is "Mizusawa Nambu Tekki ". Although the process of technical transmission is somewhat different, both have produced a wide range of ironware, from daily necessities to large objects such as Buddhist ritual utensils.
The charm of Nambu ironware is that it is durable and long-lasting. These heavy, break-resistant, long-lasting utensils develop a deep flavor as they are used over time. Furthermore, once heated, it retains its heat and does not cool down easily.
When water is boiled in a Nambu Tetsugi iron kettle or iron ball, the iron adsorbs the calcium in the water. Thanks to this, the boiled water has a mild taste. At the same time, a small amount of iron is dissolved. This iron is a type of heme iron that is easily absorbed by the body. The fact that you can replenish your body with iron semi-permanently just by using Nambu ironware is another merit that should not be overlooked.
type of faceted glass from Edo
Edo faceted glass is beautiful because of the way the cut surfaces on the glass surface reflect the shimmering light. Once you hold a piece of Edo faceting in your hand, you will be captivated by its exquisiteness and artistic beauty. The technique is applied to various types of glass, so it fits in well with everyday life.
Started in the Edo period and established in the Meiji period
It is said that Edo faceting began in 1834, when the surface of glass was engraved using vigor sand. Later, in 1881, Mr. Emanuel Hoptman was invited to teach the cutting technique, and together with a dozen or so Japanese technicians, the traditional Edo faceting technique was established. The technique has been studied and refined up to the present day.
Many processes are required to produce a single Edo faceted glass. The cutting process can be roughly divided into three stages: allocation, cutting, and polishing. In other words, it is made by first drafting a grid of reference lines, then roughly cutting along the lines, and finally finishing by grinding the surface smooth. Another distinctive feature of this process is "the process of covering the glass with a thin layer of colored glass (kise) ". Just by looking at a single glass, the skill of a master craftsman shines through everywhere.
Depending on the depth and thickness of the cut and the combination of straight and curved lines, there are infinite variations in the refraction of light, which is the depth of Edo faceting. In the production process, craftsmen successfully harmonize the traditional patterns that have been handed down over the years with new designs and sublimate them into new designs. The playful spirit of these skilled craftsmen is also truly sophisticated. When you look into the work, you can see a kaleidoscope of sparkles or streaks in areas that are not actually carved. It is as if the creator's thoughts are conveyed through the work.
Wajima lacquer
Wajima-nuri is Japan's representative lacquerware. As the name suggests, it is produced in Wajima City in the northern part of Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture. In addition to its artistic beauty, it is strong and sturdy, and even if broken, it is so robust that it can be repaired and continued to be used. It is truly tableware that will last a lifetime. Wajima-nuri is a gorgeous decoration for Japanese food, and now it continues to develop as a traditional craft that attracts not only the domestic market but also the world.
Complex process
More than any other traditional craft, the process of completing a single Wajima-nuri product is extremely complex. The lacquer is applied to the base of the product using Wajima's ground powder, and then the lacquer is applied in more than 20 processes. At last count, the lacquer is carefully applied by hand more than 100 times. The parts that are vulnerable to damage are reinforced using advanced techniques, resulting in sturdier and higher quality vessels, a traditional technique that has been passed down through the generations. The vessels, which are full of craftsmanship, are "beautiful and "one word.
Wajima-nuri lacquerware is used for a variety of purposes, from standard bowls to chopsticks and, more recently, accessories. The lacquer used for Wajima-nuri is a very strong material, perfect for use in tableware, and it is said that there is no way to dissolve the lacquer once it has hardened, so it retains its hardness and shine for a long period of time. When you visit Ishikawa Prefecture, why not pick out a favorite piece of tableware and use it for years to come?
Wajima Lacquer Art Museum, where you can also try your hand at making lacquerware.
Wajima City is home to the Museum of Lacquer Art, which is very rare in the world. The museum preserves many materials related to lacquerware, including Wajima-nuri lacquerware, and a visit there will surely make you fall in love with lacquerware. If you make a reservation, you can even try your hand at coloring chopsticks and spoons with metal powder. It would be fun for the whole family to visit.
Kumano brush
Kumano brushes are produced in Kumano Town, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture, and boast an astonishing 80% share of the Japanese domestic brush industry. In 2011, Kumano brushes were featured prominently as a National Honor Award commemorative gift to Nadeshiko Japan, and their fame has grown dramatically.
The traditional techniques of the Kumano brush have a history of over 100 years. More than 10 kinds of animal hairs are used as materials, and their characteristics are maximally utilized in the products. Counting from the process of selecting the bristles to aligning and lengthening them, there are more than 20 processes involved. The Kumano brushes made by combining the skills of these craftsmen have delicate bristles with just the right amount of firmness, and are so comfortable to use that once you try one, you will never want to part with it.
Cosmetics spread thinly and evenly
When applying makeup, Kumano's cosmetic brushes have a reputation for making makeup last longer. Since the bristles are natural and the tips are uncut, they are very smooth to the touch. The bristles are smooth to the touch, and the cosmetics are able to penetrate the space between the bristles and spread thinly and evenly on the skin. It is highly effective in both the finish of the makeup when it is finished and its durability after time has passed. No wonder it is trusted in the makeup artist industry.
Sakai Blade
Sakai's knife production technology, which has been passed down through 600 years of history, boasts a high share of the kitchen knives used by professional chefs in Japan. Furthermore, as Japanese food spreads overseas, Sakai's knives are attracting increasing attention from chefs around the world. They are a key player in indirectly supporting Japanese cuisine, which would not be complete without sharp kitchen knives.
A blade is formed by punching with a die, and a hammered blade is forged by a craftsman by beating it. The latter is overwhelmingly superior in terms of sharpness and durability. This is exactly the technique that has been handed down in Sakai. The material is heated to a bright red and beaten repeatedly, which makes the internal structure of the metal denser, harder, and more tenacious. The well-sharpened sharp single-edged blade can cut even the softest ingredients smoothly and crisply. This blade has been especially useful in the world of Japanese cuisine, where fish is often used.
A chip-resistant blade lasts a lifetime.
Uchihamono blades are made by craftsmen who put a lot of time and effort into their work, and as long as they are well maintained, they can be used for a long time. Sakai blades are characterized not only by their hardness but also by their tenacity. They will surely become a part of your hand as you continue to use them.
summary
These are six of Japan's representative traditional crafts that are particularly noteworthy. These items allow us to feel the traditional techniques cultivated by the history, the land, and the efforts of craftspeople in our daily lives. You can take them home with you as a memento of your trip to Japan, or purchase them online. Why not choose one for yourself that you can use for a long time?
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