Why lacquerware?

Urushi, essentially, is the enduring appeal of this all-natural wonder material.

August 2, 2019
LCM Editors By LCM Editors

LATEST POSTS

Supporting Sericulture Farms & Environmentally Friendly

Supporting Sericulture Farms & Environmentally Friendly

Usui Raw Silk Company in Annaka, Gunma, is Japan’s largest silk mill. Now, Usui is the only one left.

August 1, 2019
LCM Editors By LCM Editors
Amikumi-zaiku: A living craft

Amikumi-zaiku: A living craft

Visit Mishima and you will see handmade basketry everywhere. Neither decorative pieces of art nor casual souvenirs, they are living works of natural beauty, used and appreciated daily.

July 31, 2019
By LCM Editors
Kurashiki Canvas–Kurashiki, Okayama

Kurashiki Canvas–Kurashiki, Okayama

From ship sails to street fashions, Japan’s 100 percent natural high-quality canvas turns up in more places than you’d imagine. And it’s surprisingly soft and silky to the touch.

July 30, 2019
By LCM Editors
Sekishu Washi Paper–Hamada, Shimane

Sekishu Washi Paper–Hamada, Shimane

Crafted by hand from the fi ber of trees grown by the artisans themselves, these resilient, textured papers are easy on the environment in ways worth knowing about.

July 29, 2019
By LCM Editors
Kishu Lacquerware–Kainan, Wakayama

Kishu Lacquerware–Kainan, Wakayama

The moist, silky look of urushi lacquer is deceiving: this all-natural coating is durable enough to outlast us all. Two artisans carry on the Kishu heritage of using raw sap in innovative ways.

July 24, 2019
By LCM Editors
Seto Ceramic Ware – Seto, Aichi

Seto Ceramic Ware – Seto, Aichi

Kilns were fi ring wares in this Land of Pottery as far back as the 10th century. Seto potters today can meet just about any design or technical challenge. Read on to see their diverse styles.

July 16, 2019
By LCM Editors
Gunma Silk–Annaka and Midori, Gunma

Gunma Silk–Annaka and Midori, Gunma

A bioactive protein secreted by silkworms and typically discarded in silk-making is being recovered and adapted for use in high-end bath products that benefi t skin and the environment.

July 15, 2019
By LCM Editors

Six Places, Six Crafts,
Myriad

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WHAT YOU CAN DO?

  1. Discover
    Steeped in tradition, each unique piece and craftsman has a story to tell.
  2. Share
    By sharing information about Japan's regional arts and crafts through various media, we bring the country's gifts to the world.
  3. Connect
    Find opportunities to share your favorite crafts, collaborate with creators and bring people together.