VILLAGE Report
VILLAGE Report vol.10 Gunma Prefecture | Kiryu Ori, a Weaving City Carrying on Seven Techniques
Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture was once called “Nishijin in the west, Kiryu in the east.” From Nara-period tribute records and the 2,410 hiki of flag silk for Sekigahara to the seven techniques designated in 1977, we trace 1300 years of textile history through materials from Kiryu City and the Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall.
VILLAGE Report vol.10 Gunma Prefecture | Kiryu Ori, a Weaving City Carrying on Seven Techniques
Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture was once called “Nishijin in the west, Kiryu in the east.” From Nara-period tribute records and the 2,410 hiki of flag silk for Sekigahara to the seven techniques designated in 1977, we trace 1300 years of textile history through materials from Kiryu City and the Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall.
VILLAGE Report vol.9 Tochigi Prefecture | Mashiko Ware, Mingei Vessels That Preserve the Feel of Clay
Mashiko Ware began in 1853, when Keizaburo Otsuka built a kiln. From the relocation of Shoji Hamada, who made pottery in St Ives, England, to its 1979 traditional craft designation and the pottery fair continuing since 1966, we read from Tochigi Prefecture and Mashiko Town materials.
VILLAGE Report vol.9 Tochigi Prefecture | Mashiko Ware, Mingei Vessels That Preserve the Feel of Clay
Mashiko Ware began in 1853, when Keizaburo Otsuka built a kiln. From the relocation of Shoji Hamada, who made pottery in St Ives, England, to its 1979 traditional craft designation and the pottery fair continuing since 1966, we read from Tochigi Prefecture and Mashiko Town materials.
VILLAGE Report vol.8 Ibaraki Prefecture | Yuki Tsumugi, a Single Thread Hand-Spun from Silk Floss
From here, we begin the Kanto edition. Yuki Tsumugi, woven mainly around Yuki City in Ibaraki Prefecture, became an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1956, a traditional craft in 1977, and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. We read about its three technical requirements and long history through materials from the Agency for Cultural Affairs and others.
VILLAGE Report vol.8 Ibaraki Prefecture | Yuki Tsumugi, a Single Thread Hand-Spun from Silk Floss
From here, we begin the Kanto edition. Yuki Tsumugi, woven mainly around Yuki City in Ibaraki Prefecture, became an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1956, a traditional craft in 1977, and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. We read about its three technical requirements and long history through materials from the Agency for Cultural Affairs and others.
VILLAGE Report vol.7 Fukushima Prefecture | Obori Soma Ware, Running Horses Across a Blue-Crackled Surface
Obori Soma ware has continued since the Genroku era in Obori, Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Through materials from the association and the town, we look at its three features — blue crackle, running horses, and double firing — its 1978 designation as a traditional craft, and the path of keeping kiln fires alive after the earthquake disaster.
VILLAGE Report vol.7 Fukushima Prefecture | Obori Soma Ware, Running Horses Across a Blue-Crackled Surface
Obori Soma ware has continued since the Genroku era in Obori, Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Through materials from the association and the town, we look at its three features — blue crackle, running horses, and double firing — its 1978 designation as a traditional craft, and the path of keeping kiln fires alive after the earthquake disaster.
VILLAGE Report vol.6 Yamagata Prefecture | Tendo Shogi Pieces, the Town That Makes About 90% of Japan’s Total
Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture is responsible for about 90% or more of Japan’s total shogi piece production. It began in the late Edo period as side work to help samurai retainers in financial hardship. It was designated a national traditional craft in 1996.
VILLAGE Report vol.6 Yamagata Prefecture | Tendo Shogi Pieces, the Town That Makes About 90% of Japan’s Total
Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture is responsible for about 90% or more of Japan’s total shogi piece production. It began in the late Edo period as side work to help samurai retainers in financial hardship. It was designated a national traditional craft in 1996.
VILLAGE Report vol.5 Akita Prefecture | Odate Magewappa, said to hold a unique position among Japan’s bentwood crafts
Natural Akita cedar about 200 years old is split thin, boiled and bent, then stitched with mountain cherry bark. Among the 15 bentwood crafts once found across Japan, only Odate Magewappa was designated a national traditional craft.
VILLAGE Report vol.5 Akita Prefecture | Odate Magewappa, said to hold a unique position among Japan’s bentwood crafts
Natural Akita cedar about 200 years old is split thin, boiled and bent, then stitched with mountain cherry bark. Among the 15 bentwood crafts once found across Japan, only Odate Magewappa was designated a national traditional craft.