NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), a new mechanism based on blockchain technology that proves the uniqueness and ownership of digital assets, are having a significant impact on the art industry. The use of NFTs is also expanding in the field of traditional crafts, bringing innovation to the conventional ways of valuing and distributing craft products. This article introduces the compatibility of crafts and NFTs, specific case studies, and considers the future of traditional crafts.
4 Case Studies of Crafts × NFT Utilization
1. Digitalization of Traditional Crafts by ARTerrace
ARTerrace is advancing a project to transform traditional craft works into NFTs, delivering their appeal to collectors worldwide. By exhibiting and selling one-of-a-kind pieces created by artisans in digital spaces, they are increasing the recognition of craft works not only in the domestic market but also in international markets. Additionally, the stories behind the works and the artists’ techniques are preserved as digital data, allowing buyers to acquire the pieces with a deep understanding of these aspects.
ARTerrace’s initiative not only guarantees the authenticity of works through NFTs and provides an environment where buyers can trade with confidence but also contributes to widely conveying the appeal of Japanese culture.
2. Digital Expansion of Kyoto’s Traditional Crafts
Kyoto’s traditional crafts are also advancing in digitalization using NFT technology. In particular, handmade crafts such as lacquerware and ceramics are being sold as NFTs, allowing them to reach a wide range of domestic and international collectors. Works that were previously traded only within Japan are now entering the global market through digital spaces, contributing to increased international recognition of craft products.
By utilizing NFTs, Kyoto’s artisans are establishing new revenue sources and gaining means to pass on the value of their works to the next generation. It is expected that the inheritance and promotion of traditional crafts will be further advanced in the future.
3. Fusion of Kanazawa Gold Leaf and NFTs
Gold leaf craft products famous in Kanazawa are also advancing their fusion with NFTs. In a project that digitalizes and sells art pieces using gold leaf as NFTs, a format has been adopted where buyers are provided with both digital art and physical gold leaf works as a set. Buyers can enjoy both the digital value and the physical work, creating a new form of collection.
Moreover, gold leaf works that have been transformed into NFTs have their ownership clearly managed using blockchain technology, making authenticity guarantees easier and enabling highly reliable transactions for international collectors.
4. Nishijin Textile NFT Project
Nishijin textile, a representative traditional craft of Kyoto, is also using NFT technology to spread its value worldwide. By transforming the designs and production processes of textiles crafted by Nishijin artisans into digital art as NFTs and providing them to buyers, a new way of enjoying traditional crafts is being proposed. In particular, Nishijin textiles as digital art offer visual appeal and technical precision to collectors, receiving high evaluations in the NFT market.
This project aims to spread the appeal of crafts to younger generations and digital natives, symbolizing the fusion of traditional crafts and digital technology.
The Potential of Crafts and NFTs
1. Monetization of Traditional Crafts
NFTs can serve as a tool to provide new revenue sources for traditional craft artists. Traditionally, the sale of physical works was the main means of revenue, but by utilizing NFTs, it becomes possible to sell works as digital art, and a mechanism is built where revenue is generated even during resale and secondary distribution of works. Artisans can anticipate long-term revenue, enhancing the sustainability of traditional crafts.
2. New Methods of Craft Expression
By utilizing NFTs, new possibilities for expression arise in traditional crafts. Through exhibitions and sales using digital art and 3D models, it becomes possible to create value for works beyond physical constraints. It’s possible to convey the appeal of crafts in new forms to younger generations and digital natives, expanding opportunities to develop new fan bases for traditional crafts.
3. Expansion into Global Markets
The use of NFTs greatly promotes the expansion of craft products into international markets. The transparency and reliability of ownership utilizing blockchain technology provide reassurance even to international collectors, creating a foundation for Japanese traditional crafts to be highly valued worldwide. It is expected that the recognition of craft products will spread internationally, and new markets will be developed.
Introduction to ARTerrace’s Crafts × NFT Initiative
ARTerrace Inc. is developing new initiatives to protect and promote Japanese traditional crafts using NFT technology. In particular, they aim to more widely convey the background of craft works and the artisans’ thoughts, realizing ledger management using blockchain technology through “Kogei-J NFT”. This initiative by ARTerrace not only connects the value of traditional crafts to the next generation but also contributes to increasing recognition in domestic and international markets.
Features of Kogei-J NFT
“Kogei-J NFT” is a next-generation ledger management system independently developed by ARTerrace, which uses blockchain technology to manage the authenticity, ownership, and distribution routes of craft products in a highly transparent manner. Everything from the birth of a work to the transfer of ownership is recorded and made publicly accessible, creating an environment where buyers can purchase works with peace of mind.
A major feature of this system is the use of the latest high-precision 3D scanning technology. The details of craft works are accurately recorded down to the finest points, making authenticity verification easier. By digitizing each detail of the artisan’s handwork in detail, the value of the work is protected, and a highly reliable digital certificate is provided to buyers.
Furthermore, Kogei-J NFT adopts “Arweave”, a decentralized storage based on Web3.0 technology, realizing a mechanism to permanently store video and image data of works. Once information about a craft work is issued as an NFT, it continues to be permanently protected.
This technology provides a long-term and secure storage environment that was not possible with conventional data storage technologies, making it ideal for recording works of high cultural value.
Partnerships with Artists and Market Expansion
ARTerrace, based on trusted relationships with many renowned craft artists including Living National Treasures, is expanding works as NFTs to domestic and international collector markets. In the world of traditional crafts, the background of works and the techniques of artists are highly valued, so it is possible to convey this information accurately and transparently using NFT technology.
Moreover, ARTerrace plans to implement secondary market functions in the fall of 2024. It is expected that the trading of craft products will become more active not only at the initial sale but also during subsequent resales, bringing sustained value to craft artists and collectors.
Conclusion
The fusion of crafts and NFTs is gaining attention as a technology that offers new possibilities for traditional crafts. The fact that traditional crafts from regions such as Kyoto and Kanazawa, including ARTerrace Inc., are advancing digitalization and expansion into international markets using NFTs is a significant step for the future craft market.
As the authenticity and value of craft products are guaranteed through NFTs, and new ways of enjoying works are proposed, it is expected that the appeal of traditional crafts will not only be passed on to the next generation but will also spread globally.
