Many items created using the traditional arts and crafts of the Tohoku region in northeastern Japan are very popular as souvenirs both in Japan and for export. This traditional industry, however, was severely impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, with some and craftsmen finding their workshops destroyed and unable to manufacture their produce any more. However, some have banded together and are now working to reestablish themselves so they can continue to hand down their traditional technologies and skills. Mitsubishi Monitor is therefore happy to take this opportunity to present some of the wonderful traditional arts and crafts found in the Tohoku region.
◆Traditional Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls
(Sendai City/Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Kokeshi dolls have long been treasured as toys by children in the mountain villages of the Tohoku Region. Over the years, they have become very popular as souvenirs and particularly with visitors to hot spring resorts. Miyagi Prefecture is known for five traditional types of doll – Naruko, Sakunami, Togatta, Yajiro, Hijiori – each distinguished by the way it is made, its form, facial expression and the floral pattern of the body. Their simple and charming design is currently sparking a renewed interest in the traditional kokeshi doll.
◆Nambu Ironware
(Morioka City/Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture)
Nambu ironware is distinguished by the deeply toned coloring of its intricately patterned casting surface. Foremost are the artisan-made tea ceremony pots and kettles that retain the craftsmanship from some 400 years ago. Recently, however, some ironware makers have started producing more modern and colorful items which are proving popular outside of Japan as well. Water boiled in a Nambu kettle has a mild taste and contains a dietary source of iron.
◆Aizu Lacquerware
(Aizuwakamatsu City/Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Aizu lacquerware boasts a history that goes back over 400 years, principally in the form of the bowls, tiered boxes, trays and other containers closely tied to everyday life. Aizu lacquerware is distinguished by its gold or silver lacquer, lacquer painting, gold-inlaid lacquer and other decoration and is popular among Japanese for its auspicious designs. Recent years have seen a growing variety in lacquer-finished goods.
PAGE TOP