Interviews d'artisan

The Art of the Chisel: Handmade Metal Jewelry Born in Tokyo

This article introduces DAZAI, a master craftsman in Akabane, Tokyo, who uses traditional Tokyo Chokin (Japanese metal engraving) techniques to create exquisite handmade jewelry. It explores his ph...

Pure Silk Woven with Mountain Springs and Prayers: The Timeless Grace of Gunnai Textiles by Atelier Fujizakura

Originating from the historic Gunnai region at the foot of Mount Fuji, Gunnai Textiles represents centuries of luxury silk weaving since the Edo period. Atelier Fujizakura, named after the resilien...

Poetry in Rising Smoke: The Silver Craftsmanship and Japanese MokumeGane Kiseru Pipes by Master Chiaki Aikawa

Master artisan Chiaki Aikawa of Aikawa Engraving Studio in Gunma Prefecture crafts exquisite Japanese Kiseru smoking pipes that fuse pure silver work with ancient Mokume-Gane metal-layering techniq...

The Shadow and Light of Earthen Grace: Contemporary Satsuma Ware Heritage by Tsukinomushi

In the heart of Kagoshima, the family-run brand "Tsukinomushi" breathes soul into local clay. Mastering the intricate crackle glaze (kannyu) of White Satsuma alongside the deep, sophisticated textu...

Ninety-Five Years of Step and Spirit: The Heritage and Ergonomic Grace of Japanese Geta by Miyuki Honpo

For over 95 years, Miyuki Honpo in Osaka has dedicated itself to the noble art of handcrafting authentic Japanese Geta sandals. Once an essential part of daily Japanese life—valued both for practic...

Resonance of the Sacred Flame: How Syouryu’s Forged Orin Awakens the Soul

Syouryu Studio, founded in 1909, preserves the ancient hand-forging technique of hammering brass into sacred artwork. This article explores the ethereal resonance of their Orin sound bowls—transcen...

The Soul Within the Hinoki Wood: Half a Century of Shadow and Grace in Noh Masks by Master Ichiyu Terai

Master Ichiyu Terai has spent over 50 years in Kyoto as one of the few Noh mask makers who handcrafts every single phase of the sculpting process. Revering subtle shadows and spiritual depth, his w...

Kiyomizu Yaki: Cobalt Serenity & Ergonomic Grace by ICHIRAKUGAMA

Continuing the esteemed heritage of Ichirakugama since inheriting its name in Kyoto in 1990, third-generation potter Yuya Yamamoto creates Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki porcelain of unmatched refineme...

Resonance Carved from Sacred Timber: Three Generations of Japanese Wooden Drums by Fukada Wood Works

Article Summary Fukada Wood Works in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, has dedicated three generations to the sacred art of crafting Japanese Wooden Drums (Mokugyo). Working intimately with raw mulberry, c...

1,300 Years of Woven Silk in Modern Motion: The Geometry and Grace of Iga Kumihimo by Michitaka Hirai

Tracing its roots back 1,300 years to the Nara period, Iga Kumihimo from Mie Prefecture represents the pinnacle of Japanese silk braiding. Fifth-generation master Michitaka Hirai of Kumihimo Hirai—...