【Complete version】
Complete Glossary of Traditional Craft Terms
Kinko Metalwork
Metalwork refers to the techniques of processing metals to create decorative items and crafts. In Japan, these techniques have been used since ancient times for swords, Buddhist implements, and tea ceremony utensils, with skilled artisans passing down sophisticated techniques through generations. Metalwork includes various methods such as casting, forging, metal carving, and inlay, each with distinct characteristics. Even today, traditional techniques are being preserved while new works are created to suit modern designs and purposes.
Chukin Metal Casting
Metal Casting is a technique of pouring molten metal into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify. Materials commonly used include iron, copper, and bronze to create tea kettles, Buddhist statues, and decorative items. Casting allows for complex shapes depending on mold design, creating unique textures and finishes. In Japan, Nambu ironware and Kyoto copperware are famous and highly regarded as traditional crafts.
Tankin Metal Hammering
Metal Hammering is a technique of shaping metal by hammering it. Metal sheets are heated and hammered to stretch and shape them into various forms. This technique, also called Tsuiki, is used to create tea ceremony utensils, flower vases, and Buddhist implements. Metal Hammering creates unique textures and patterns through the artisan’s handiwork. Creating uniform thickness and beautiful curves requires advanced skills.
Chokin Metal Engraving
Metal Engraving is a decorative technique of engraving detailed patterns or characters on metal surfaces. Using specialized chisels (tagane), artisans create three-dimensional effects and beauty through hand-carving. In Japan, it has been used to decorate sword guards (tsuba), sash clips, and accessories. Due to its ability to create delicate designs and precise carvings, it’s widely used not only for crafts but also for jewelry making.Zogan Damascening
Damascening is a decorative technique that combines different metals or materials to create patterns. Grooves are carved into a metal surface, and different types of metals are embedded to create beautiful designs. In Japan, techniques such as “Nunome-zogan” and “Takaniku-zogan” have been widely used for sword guards and decorative items. The patterns created through damascening are magnificent and highly valued as traditional crafts.Mekki Plating
Plating is a technique of applying a thin layer of metal to a surface. Metals such as gold, silver, copper, and nickel are coated using electroplating or chemical plating to improve durability and decoration. In Japan, it’s widely used for Buddhist implements, sword fittings, and accessories. Plating prevents rust and maintains a beautiful shine for a long time, which is why it’s also widely adopted in modern industrial products.Chuzo Casting
Casting is a technique for creating cast objects by pouring molten metal into molds. Using appropriate molds such as sand molds, metal molds, or plaster molds allows for mass production of complex shapes. Besides traditional crafts, it’s also used for manufacturing industrial parts and accessories, making it one of the oldest developed techniques in metalwork. Cast works are characterized by their ability to reproduce complex shapes and create durable products.Sessaku Cutting
Cutting is a processing technique that shapes metal by removing material. Unlike metal carving and inlay, it often uses machines for precision processing and is widely used from crafts to industrial products. Using lathes, milling machines, and drills allows for detailed processing and highly precise finishes. In traditional crafts, it’s used for polishing sword blades, finishing decorations, and creating metal ornament parts.Kenma Polishing
Polishing is a technique of smoothing metal surfaces. Files, whetstones, and buffs are used to remove surface irregularities and create a glossy finish. Different textures, such as mirror or matte finishes, can be achieved through various polishing methods. It’s an essential process for finishing swords and adding shine to accessories, and an important technique for improving both beauty and durability.Tsuiki Hammer Raising
Hammer raising is a forging technique where metal sheets are shaped by hammering. By repeatedly hammering metal, it becomes harder while taking on free-form shapes. It’s particularly used for copper and silver tea utensils, vases, and Buddhist items, with its unique texture and handcrafted warmth being its charm. Works created through hammer raising develop more character with use and can be enjoyed as they age.Jigane Ingot
Ingot refers to the metal material that forms the foundation for processing and decoration. Pure gold, silver, copper, and brass are used as base metals and are processed through techniques such as forging, casting, and cutting to create various crafts. The type of base metal affects the texture and strength of the finished product, making appropriate selection important. It’s a basic material widely used not only for traditional crafts but also for jewelry and industrial products.Shitsugei Lacquer Art
Lacquer art is a traditional Japanese craft technique that uses lacquer (urushi) to finish vessels, furniture, and decorative items. Lacquer is excellent for waterproofing and durability, with a beautiful gloss, and has long been used for tea ceremony utensils, Buddhist implements, and decorative items. Various techniques such as maki-e and raden allow for unique expressions. Lacquer deepens over time and becomes more beautiful with use.Makie Maki-e
Maki-e is a decorative technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto lacquer to create patterns. Metal powder is sprinkled onto areas painted with lacquer and then polished after drying to complete delicate and gorgeous designs. During the Edo period, it was widely used to decorate luxury furnishings and weapons. Even today, maki-e is applied to lacquerware, accessories, and stationery to create elegant Japanese beauty.
Raden Mother-of-Pearl
Raden is a technique where thin slices of seashell pearl layers are embedded in lacquer surfaces for decoration. Using shells like abalone and nautilus creates beautiful iridescence that changes color depending on the light. Raden was introduced from China and has been used in Japan since the Heian period for temple furnishings and musical instrument decoration. It requires advanced skills to create delicate patterns and is still used for luxury lacquerware and furniture.Tsuishu Carved Red Lacquer
Tsuishu is a technique where lacquer is applied in multiple layers and then carved to create raised patterns. Red lacquer is commonly used, resulting in a three-dimensional finish. Developed in China and introduced to Japan, it was used for tea ceremony utensils, Buddhist implements, and decorative items. Applying thick layers of lacquer takes time and effort, sometimes requiring months to years to complete. It’s a technique known for its unique dignity and substantial feel.Kanshitsu Dry Lacquer
Kanshitsu is a technique where cloth or Japanese paper is hardened with lacquer to create shapes. Mainly used for Buddhist statues and tea ceremony utensils, it creates lightweight yet durable items without using a wooden core, with lacquer and cloth as the main materials. Used for Buddha statues in the Nara period, it allows for delicate expressions in details. More resistant to deformation than wood and highly durable, it’s still incorporated into traditional Buddhist statues and art pieces.Fuki Urushi Wiped Lacquer
Fuki-urushi is a technique where lacquer is applied to wood and excess is wiped away to highlight the wood grain. It enhances the natural texture of wood while adding the gloss and durability of lacquer. Widely used for tea ceremony utensils, furniture, and tableware, it creates a light and user-friendly finish due to the thin layer of lacquer. Repeated application and wiping of lacquer produces deep colors and smooth textures.
Kijiro Nuri Kijiro-nuri
Kijiro-nuri is a technique where transparent lacquer is applied many times and polished out to create a transparent gloss. Similar to wiped lacquer but with more polishing effort, it produces a beautiful deep shine. The lacquer color harmonizes with the wood pattern, resulting in a dignified finish. Mainly used for tea ceremony utensils and high-end furniture, it becomes deeper with use, which is its charm.
Togidashi Polishing
Togidashi is one of the finishing techniques for maki-e and lacquer work, where layered lacquer is polished out to reveal patterns. After sprinkling gold or silver powder between layers of lacquer, the surface is polished to create a beautiful finish where metal shines through. Known as one of the most luxurious maki-e techniques, it creates works that are gorgeous yet with deep texture.Kyushitsu Lacquer Application
Kyushitsu refers to the entire process of applying lacquer, including foundation preparation and finishing techniques. In lacquerware production, lacquer is applied in multiple layers and polished, requiring advanced techniques. In Japanese traditional crafts, kyushitsu technique is an important element, with the artisan’s skill level greatly affecting the quality of the work.Urushi-e Lacquer Painting
Urushi-e is a technique where lacquer is used like paint to draw patterns or pictures. Using colored lacquer or combining gold and silver powder allows for diverse expressions. Unlike maki-e, it’s characterized by pictorial expression and is used not only for traditional lacquerware but also for folding screens and craft works. The ability to freely draw with a brush makes it a technique that reflects the artisan’s individuality.Kinpun Gold Powder
Gold powder is fine metal powder used for decorating maki-e and lacquer art. Sprinkling gold powder adds a gorgeous shine to lacquer surfaces, creating a luxurious finish. The purity and particle size of gold affect the gloss and color, changing the expression of the work. In Japanese lacquer art, luxurious decoration using gold powder is characteristic and is widely used for crafts, Buddhist implements, and tea ceremony utensils.Tojiki Ceramics
Ceramics refers to vessels and decorative items made by shaping and firing clay, which have developed in Japan since ancient times as part of daily life and art. They are broadly divided into pottery and porcelain, each with different characteristics. Pottery has a warm texture that makes the most of the clay’s character, while porcelain is fired at high temperatures, making it hard and translucent. Various expressions are created through glazes and firing methods.Rokuro Potter’s Wheel
The potter’s wheel is a technique used for shaping ceramics. There are manual “kick wheels” and electric wheels, with artisans making fine adjustments to create balanced vessels. Using a wheel allows for creating thin, smooth curved vessels, and is used for shaping many ceramic items such as tea bowls, plates, and jars. It’s a traditional technique that requires skilled craftsmanship.Tebineri Hand Building
Hand-building is a technique of shaping clay by hand without using a potter’s wheel. The clay is spread with fingertips or stacked in coil form to create shapes. It allows for free-form shapes, resulting in unique and warm works. It’s an easy method for beginners and is often used in pottery experiences.Yuyaku Glaze
Glaze is a glass-like coating agent applied to the surface of ceramics. It melts during firing to cover the vessel’s surface, adding gloss and waterproofing. The type of glaze changes the color and texture, with various variations such as transparent glaze, celadon glaze with depth, and iron glaze with subdued colors.Shosei Firing
Firing refers to the process of baking ceramics in a kiln. The firing temperature and time change the strength and texture of the vessel, with pottery generally fired at 1,000-1,200°C and porcelain at 1,200-1,400°C. Firing includes two processes, “bisque firing” and “glaze firing,” each with different roles.Suyaki Unglazed Pottery
Unglazed pottery is a low-temperature firing done before glaze firing. Usually fired at around 800°C, it hardens the clay to make it easier to handle. After bisque firing, glaze is applied and glaze firing is performed to complete the ceramic. At the bisque firing stage, the material is highly absorbent, allowing the glaze to adhere well.Honyaki Glost Firing
Glost firing is the process of firing ceramics at high temperatures after applying glaze to bisque-fired pieces. Generally fired at 1,100-1,300°C, the glaze melts to form a glass-like layer on the vessel’s surface. The adjustment of temperature and time during glaze firing greatly affects the color development and texture of the glaze.Keshogake Engobe
Keshogake is a technique of applying white muddy clay (slip) onto the clay body for decoration. White slip gives the vessel’s surface a bright color and unique texture. Patterns can also be drawn using brushes or droppers, making it one of the techniques for adding delicate expressions to pottery.Sometsuke Blue and White Porcelain
Sometsuke is a technique of applying blue decoration to porcelain surfaces. Using a cobalt-based pigment called gosu, designs are painted with a brush onto bisque-fired vessels, then covered with transparent glaze and glaze-fired. The sometsuke technique was introduced from China and developed in Japan in Arita ware and Seto ware. It’s characterized by the contrast between vivid blue and white.Hakuji White Porcelain
White porcelain refers to pure white, smooth porcelain. Kaolin contained in porcelain clay is the main component, which changes to glass-like material through high-temperature firing, resulting in a hard and translucent finish. White porcelain originated from Jingdezhen, China, and developed in Japan in wares such as Arita. It’s characterized by simple beauty without decoration.
Kaiyu Ash Glaze
Ash glaze is a type of glaze with wood ash as its main component. The ash melts to create a glass-like layer on the vessel’s surface, producing unique gloss and texture. It’s a traditional technique used since the Nara period, characterized by a warm finish that takes advantage of natural texture. The influence of flames and ash during firing creates flows and changes in the glaze, making each piece unique, which is its charm.Mokkou・Chikkou Woodworking and Bamboo Crafts
Woodworking and bamboo crafts encompass techniques for processing wood and bamboo to create furniture, crafts, and everyday items. In Japan, traditional woodworking techniques such as Sashimono (joinery), Yosegi-zaiku (marquetry), Kumiko-zaiku (latticework), as well as bamboo weaving and bamboo splitting have evolved over centuries and continue to be passed down today. These techniques produce precisely finished pieces through skilled handwork, creating items that combine both practicality and beauty.
Sashimono Joinery
Sashimono is a woodworking technique that joins wood without using nails. By precisely carving the wood and creating joints, craftsmen produce sturdy and beautiful furniture and boxes. In Japanese traditional crafts, it is commonly used for tea ceremony storage boxes, chests of drawers (tansu), and bookshelves. The precision of the joints determines the quality of the finished product, requiring highly skilled craftsmanship.Yosegi-zaiku Marquetry
Yosegi-zaiku is a woodworking technique that combines wood pieces with different colors and grains to create patterns. It developed in the Hakone region during the Edo period and is characterized by beautiful geometric patterns. Traditional Yosegi-zaiku uses the natural colors of wood and creates designs without nails, relying instead on adhesives. Some products feature secret compartments and mechanisms, making them popular as crafts that combine practicality with playfulness.
Kumiko-zaiku Latticework
Kumiko-zaiku is a technique where thin, precisely cut wooden pieces are assembled without nails to create intricate geometric patterns. It is used for decorating shoji screens, fusuma sliding doors, and ranma (transom panels), with beautiful designs created through the craftsman’s precise handwork. Traditional patterns include auspicious designs such as hemp leaf (asanoha), cherry blossoms, and tortoiseshell (kikko) patterns, valued as decorative elements that enhance traditional Japanese spaces.Magewappa Bent Woodwork
Magewappa is a woodworking technique where thin wood is bent using heat and moisture, formed into a ring shape, and then fitted with a base. It developed in Odate, Akita Prefecture, and is used for bento boxes, containers, and buckets. Known for its wood fragrance and good ventilation, it has long been cherished for keeping rice delicious. These lightweight, portable crafts develop more character with extended use.
Moku-zogan Wood Inlay
Moku-zogan is a technique of combining different types of wood to create patterns or pictures. Thin wood pieces are inlaid to express delicate designs and used to decorate furniture and ornamental items. In Japan, it is produced in workshops in Hakone and Kyoto, with the appeal being its three-dimensional finish that utilizes the natural colors of wood. This craft requires precise techniques and takes considerable time to complete.Kannagake Planing
Kannagake refers to the process of smoothing the surface of wood. It is an essential step in finishing wooden products, and the use of the plane (kanna) affects the wood’s luster and texture. Craftsmen adjust their strength and angle while smoothing the wood surface to bring out the beautiful grain. In traditional Japanese woodworking, planing techniques significantly influence the quality of the finished product.Mokuchou Wood Carving
Mokuchou is a technique for creating three-dimensional forms by carving wood. It is used for Buddhist statues, ranma decorations, and Noh masks, characterized by precise and detailed carving. Using carving knives and chisels to shape the wood and express surface textures and shadows creates powerful works. The selection of materials and utilization of wood grain are also important elements.Takekago-ami Bamboo Basket Weaving
Takekago-ami is a technique of weaving thinly split bamboo to create baskets. In Japan, bamboo baskets have long been used as daily items, including for agricultural work, market transport, and flower baskets (hanakago) for tea ceremonies. The weaving method affects both pattern and strength, featuring beautiful designs that utilize the flexibility and durability of bamboo. This is one of the traditional crafts showcasing skilled craftsmanship.Takewari Bamboo Splitting
Takewari is the process of splitting bamboo into thin pieces, a fundamental technique for bamboo crafts and basket making. By splitting evenly along the bamboo fiber, craftsmen create flexible and durable bamboo strips. The width and thickness are adjusted according to the type of bamboo and intended use, preparing it for easy crafting. The quality of the bamboo splitting technique directly affects the precision of the finished bamboo craft.Toumaki Rattan Wrapping
Toumaki is a technique of wrapping rattan around bamboo or wooden handles and joints for reinforcement. Rattan is flexible and durable, making it suitable for bamboo basket handles, sword hilts (tsukamaki), and furniture reinforcement. The wrapping method affects both design and strength, with beautiful finishes achieved through craftsman skills. This technique combines both practical and decorative elements.Senshoku Textile Dyeing and Weaving
Textile dyeing and weaving refers to techniques for creating patterns and textures by dyeing and weaving fabrics. In Japan, various methods have developed including Yuzen dyeing, indigo dyeing, and Kasuri (ikat), which continue to be passed down as kimono, obi, and textiles. Combining dyeing techniques with weaving skills creates unique textures and beautiful designs. Traditional textile techniques remain popular today in crafts and fashion.Yuzen Yuzen Dyeing
Yuzen is a technique for drawing detailed patterns on fabric and dyeing them in vibrant colors. Using a resist paste to draw designs and applying colors with brushes creates delicate patterns. Regional variations include Kyo-Yuzen, Kaga-Yuzen, and Tokyo-Yuzen, used for luxurious kimonos and obi. As it allows for painting-like expression, it is valued as a highly artistic textile technique.
Kasuri Ikat
Kasuri is a technique where yarn is partially resist-dyed before weaving, creating unique blurred patterns. After weaving, the resist-dyed portions emerge as patterns, characterized by delicate and tasteful designs. Traditional Kasuri textiles exist in various regions of Japan, including Kurume-Kasuri and Iyo-Kasuri, commonly used for everyday clothing and obi material.Tsumugi Pongee Silk
Tsumugi is a type of silk fabric woven using tsumugi yarn. Made from silk waste cocoons or hand-spun thread, it features a rough texture and rustic quality. Oshima-Tsumugi and Yuki-Tsumugi are well-known production areas, and the fabric is valued for being lightweight and durable, making it practical for everyday wear. Tsumugi kimonos become softer with use, allowing wearers to enjoy their unique texture.Chijimi Crepe Fabric
Chijimi is a fabric that is wrinkled by washing in hot water, giving it a unique texture (shibo). Due to the wrinkle processing, it has a pleasant feel and excellent moisture absorption, making it suitable for summer kimonos and bedding. Notable examples include Ojiya-Chijimi and Echigo-Chijimi, characterized by their light and cool wearing comfort.Ro Gauze Weave
Ro is a fabric woven with transparent sections to create a cool texture. By skipping threads in certain parts of the weaving, it creates a striped transparency effect, resulting in a light finish. It is used for summer kimonos, obi, and religious garments (houe), and its high breathability makes it suitable for hot seasons.Sha Open Weave
Sha is a transparent fabric similar to Ro but with larger gaps. It is woven using strongly twisted threads, resulting in a firm and crisp finish. Used for summer kimonos, haori jackets, and obi material, it combines lightness and coolness.Nukiito Weft Threads
Nukiito refers to the horizontal threads in woven fabrics. They are woven through the warp threads (tateito) and are an important element in creating the pattern and texture of the fabric. The thickness, color, and weaving method of the weft threads change the expression and texture of the fabric, creating diverse designs.Tateito Warp Threads
Tateito are the vertical threads stretched in a fabric, forming the foundation of the cloth. Warp threads are fixed to the loom, and fabric is created by crossing them with weft threads. The tension and number of warp threads affect the strength and texture of the fabric, with different fibers like silk, hemp, and cotton creating varying textures.Aizome Indigo Dyeing
Aizome is a technique using dye made from fermented indigo plants. Characterized by deep blue colors, it became widely popular in Japan during the Edo period for yukata and work clothes. The color depth can be adjusted by increasing the number of dyes, creating an indigo-specific beautiful coloration. It also has insect-repellent and deodorizing effects, offering functionality unique to natural dyes.Bingata Okinawan Stencil Dyeing
Bingata is a dyeing technique developed in Okinawa, characterized by using stencils to dye vibrant color patterns. Plants, animals, and geometric patterns are depicted on traditional Okinawan clothing, obi, and crafts. The bold use of primary colors like red, blue, and yellow creates vibrant designs, making it a dyeing technique with unique beauty.Washi Japanese Paper
Washi is traditional Japanese paper made using unique methods, characterized by its durability, flexibility, and beautiful texture. It is primarily made from plant fibers such as kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi, produced through hand-making. Washi is used for a wide range of purposes including calligraphy paper, shoji paper, and crafts, deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Tesuki Hand-made Paper
Tesuki is a technique where craftsmen make paper one sheet at a time by hand. Using a tool called a suketa, they spread the papermaking solution containing plant fibers evenly and drain the water to form the paper. Hand-made washi is strong because the fibers intertwine, characterized by a warm texture. It is valued as high-quality Japanese paper for calligraphy and art.Nagashisuki Flowing Papermaking
Nagashisuki is a technique of layering paper multiple times while shaking the suketa back and forth. Developed during the Edo period, it creates paper with evenly intertwined fibers, resulting in high durability. It is commonly used for shoji paper, fusuma paper, and calligraphy paper, with the thickness and texture adjustable based on the number of layers and technique.Koyori Twisted Paper
Koyori is Japanese paper twisted into a thread-like form. It has traditionally been used for sealing envelopes, decorative cords, and craft decorations. By twisting it thinly and firmly, sturdy paper cords are created, which are also applied to handcrafts and paper doll making. In modern times, it is also used for accessories and interior decorations utilizing washi.Hoshoshi Mulberry Paper
Hoshoshi is a type of high-quality washi that was once used for official documents and formal papers. With a smooth surface and appropriate thickness, it creates beautiful folds, making it suitable for calligraphy, mounting, and gift wrapping. Even today, it is used for letter paper and correspondence with a Japanese atmosphere, appreciated as a premium paper.Kozoshi Kozo Paper
Kozoshi is Japanese paper made from kozo (paper mulberry) fibers. Due to its long fibers, it is tough and resistant to tearing, suitable for long-term preservation. It is widely used for shoji paper, calligraphy paper, and printmaking paper, and is also utilized for restoring Japanese traditional crafts and cultural properties. Hand-made kozoshi has a unique warmth and texture.Mitsumatashi Mitsumata Paper
Mitsumatashi is Japanese paper made from mitsumata fibers, characterized by its smooth and glossy finish. It was once used as a material for Japanese banknotes and is suitable for detailed writing and precise printing, making it appropriate for high-quality printing paper and calligraphy paper. Mitsumatashi is soft and flexible, enjoyed as a premium washi with an elegant texture.Ganpishi Gampi Paper
Ganpishi is Japanese paper using gampi fibers, characterized by its smooth surface and translucency. With fine fibers intertwining, it has high strength and resistance to insect damage, having been used for official documents and printmaking paper since ancient times. It has a beautiful quality when light passes through it and is valued as paper for detailed printing and painting.Sukashi Watermark
Sukashi is a technique of creating patterns or letters that appear on Japanese paper. When making paper, by thinning the fibers only in the pattern areas, designs become visible when held up to light. Often applied to Japanese banknotes and premium washi, intricate patterns are created through traditional craftsmanship. It is used for art and special-purpose papers.Momigami Crumpled Paper
Momigami is a technique of crumpling hand-made washi by hand to create a unique texture. Characterized by the softness of washi and three-dimensional texture, it is used for fusuma paper, wrapping paper, and craft materials. Combined with dyeing, it can create diverse patterns and expressions.Somewashi Dyed Japanese Paper
Somewashi refers to Japanese paper with patterns or colors applied using dyes. Various techniques exist, including stencil dyeing, brush dyeing, and tie-dyeing, used for kimono patterns, washi crafts, and letter paper. While preserving traditional techniques, it is also popular for modern interior decor and wrapping paper, widely utilized as a material to enjoy Japanese textures.Ningyo・Hariko Dolls and Papier-mâché
Dolls and Hariko (papier-mâché) are traditional Japanese crafts referring to dolls and local toys made using wood or paper. Finished with careful attention to detail through craftsmen’s handwork, they are widely cherished as decorative items and lucky charms. Various dolls with regional characteristics exist throughout Japan, passed down along with culture and history.
Ichimatsu Ningyo Ichimatsu Dolls
Ichimatsu Ningyo are Japanese dolls that originated in the Edo period, characterized by white skin and black hair with dignified features. The name is said to derive from their resemblance to a role played by the kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu. They were cherished as play dolls for girls and are now often displayed as a type of Hina doll. Their distinctive feature is changeable clothing, crafted with meticulous handwork.Gosho Ningyo Imperial Court Dolls
Gosho Ningyo are traditional dolls characterized by plump, round faces and white skin. Established during the Muromachi period and influenced by court culture, they were cherished as gifts among nobles and feudal lords during the Edo period. Made by applying gofun (white pigment) to woodcarvings, they feature an elegant finish. Known for realistically capturing the innocent expressions of children, they are recognized as crafts reflecting Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.Ishou Ningyo Costume Dolls
Ishou Ningyo are dolls adorned with elaborate kimonos and decorations, with Hina dolls and warrior dolls being representative examples. Using detailed embroidery and silk fabrics, they feature lavish costumes. Deeply connected with traditional Japanese ceremonies and festivals, they are often displayed during seasonal celebrations and special occasions.Kimekomi Ningyo Grooved Dolls
Kimekomi Ningyo are made by carving grooves into wooden dolls and tucking fabric into them to create clothing. Originating in 17th century Kyoto, they are characterized by their intricate detail. The patterns and colors of the fabric integrate seamlessly, resulting in a delicate and elegant finish. Popular as Hina dolls and May dolls, Kimekomi works are valued as premium crafts.Karakuri Ningyo Mechanical Dolls
Karakuri Ningyo are mechanical dolls that developed during the Edo period, featuring mechanisms using springs and gears to create movement. Tea-carrying dolls and archer dolls are famous examples, representing the culmination of craftsmanship of the time. Considered precursors to modern robotics, they are highly regarded as symbols of Japanese manufacturing culture.Hakata Ningyo Hakata Dolls
Hakata Ningyo are clay dolls made in the Hakata region of Fukuoka Prefecture, characterized by delicate expressions and elegant forms. A traditional craft continuing since the Edo period, they often realistically depict beautiful women, with popular pieces also featuring kabuki and Noh characters. Their appeal lies in their unglazed texture and soft coloring, highly regarded as crafts even overseas.Fushimi Ningyo Fushimi Dolls
Fushimi Ningyo are folk toys made around Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, considered the oldest clay dolls in Japan. Characterized by simple, warm designs, they often depict foxes, zodiac animals, and lucky charms. Widely cherished by common people during the Edo period, they remain popular as Kyoto souvenirs today.Akabeko Red Cow
Akabeko is a folk toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, a red cow papier-mâché doll. Designed with a head that sways back and forth, it is known as a lucky charm wishing for children’s health and protection from disease. There are various origin stories, including one based on a legend of a cow that quelled an epidemic in the Aizu region. Despite its simplicity, its charming appearance has gathered popularity.Tora Hariko Tiger Papier-mâché
Tora Hariko is a papier-mâché doll depicting a brave tiger, often displayed during the Boy’s Day celebration. Traditionally made in Kyoto and Osaka, it is considered a lucky charm wishing for boys’ health and success. Characterized by bright yellow and black patterns, some versions have paper bodies designed to move.Edo Hariko Edo Papier-mâché
Edo Hariko are papier-mâché crafts that developed during the Edo period, with dog hariko, Tenjin dolls, and beckoning cats being representative works. Formed by layering Japanese paper and featuring vivid painting, they are characterized as folk toys rooted in common people’s lives, remaining popular today as lucky charms and decorations.Garasu Kougei Glass Crafts
Glass crafts refer to techniques for processing glass to create decorative items and vessels. Characterized by beautiful transparent finishes, techniques such as Kiriko (cut glass), Chuubuki (free-blown glass), and Katabuki (mold-blown glass) developed in Japan. Various expressions are created through glass forming methods and decorative techniques, with a wide range of products from everyday vessels to artistic works.
