Throughout this series, we have introduced the traditional Japanese aesthetics crucial to conveying the allure of kogei or Japanese crafts. Moving forward, to contemplate the future path of Japanese crafts, we will reconsider the value of crafts in light of global social issues and questions. First, I would like to explore the concept of fudo, which is deeply intertwined with the origins of Japane...

How did you come to bamboo as a material, and what is its appeal?I have always loved the tea ceremony, a culture with a uniquely Japanese spirituality. The tea ceremony utilizes meticulously crafted tools to offer a hospitality that embodies the spirit of “ichi-go ichi-e,” or a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. One of the reasons I chose bamboo was my awareness of environmental issues. Growing up in t...

Tsugaru lacquerware, a traditional craft of Aomori Prefecture, is known for its painstakingly thorough process of applying and polishing lacquer repeatedly, earning it the nickname “baka-nuri” (foolish coating). The film “Tsugaru Lacquer Girl” explores human relationships through the lens of Tsugaru lacquerware, set in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The protagonist, Miyako, works ai...

Shitsurindo, a manufacturer based in the Kawada area of Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading lacquerware production areas, has been engaged in the production and sale of Echizen lacquerware. Founded in 1793, the company has a long history and in 2023, the 230th anniversary of its founding, was certified as a purveyor to Daihonzan Eiheiji temple, which is also located in Echizen. In addi...

The sound of the tea whisk ceases, and a bowl of tea is placed before you by the host. The steam softly rising from the bowl, the faint aroma of matcha powdered green tea wafting through your nose. In the serene moment before taking a sip, there is always a tea bowl between the host and the guest.Sen no Rikyu, who established the art of the tea ceremony, taught the principles of “Wa, Kei, Se...

This phrase “mono no aware” represents an aesthetic ideal proposed by Motoori Norinaga, a scholar of classical Japanese literature in the late Edo period (1603-1868), which is considered crucial for understanding the court literature of the Heian period (794-1185). “Mono no aware,” literally “the pathos of things” but also translated as “an empathy toward things,” encapsulates the profound emotion...

The “Art Kogei, from Japan to the World Executive Committee” will host the Special Exhibition “The Future of Artisanal Beauty: Vessels, Wrappings, Decorations.” The first exhibition will be held from July 4 to 16, 2024 at TERRADA ART COMPLEX II BONDED GALLERY by Warehouse TERRADA, which leads art projects based in Tennoz, Tokyo. The second exhibition is scheduled from November 3 to 5, 2024 at Kenn...

From April 20 to 25, 2024 an exhibition of ceramic artist Kenta Nakazato’s works was held at Kakiden Gallery in Shinjuku, Tokyo.This marked the second time for Kenta to hold a solo exhibition at this gallery, following his debut solo show there in April the previous year. That 2023 event was also his first solo exhibition in Tokyo, and since then he has steadily expanded his presence through...

The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize, launched in 2016 by LOEWE Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, is an international annual award that recognizes the importance of craft in today’s culture and honors working artisans whose talent, vision and innovation set standards for the future. This year, the LOEWE FOUNDATION announced the 30 finalists for the seventh edition of the Craft Prize. The finalists’...

Maruhiro Inc. has released the “Enceladus Sobachoko” under its own brand “BARBAR” on March 22, 2024. Maruhiro is a ceramic manufacturer that produces tableware and interior items of Hasami ware, a traditional craft of Nagasaki Prefecture. Hasami ware is manufactured under a division of labor, with each production process being operated by different companies. Maruhiro acts as a producer that reque...

The Japan Ceramic Society, a public interest incorporated association, has announced the winners of the 2023 Japan Ceramic Society Awards. The Japan Ceramic Society Awards are presented to the most outstanding artist of the year with the Japan Ceramic Society Award, and the Gold Prize is given to veteran artist who has made significant contributions to the ceramic art world or to artist who has al...

The term “mujo” refers to the concept that things are transient, not eternal. When expressed as “shogyo mujo” (literally, “all things are impermanent”), it signifies the transitory nature of all phenomena. “Mujo-kan” (“view of impermanence”), on the other hand, is a philosophical perspective on life, contemplating the nature of existence and the ever-changing aspect of all ...