36 Designated Traditional Crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture
Kanazawa Tea Ceremony Kettle
Kanazawa Tea Ceremony Kettle
The tea ceremony kettle is made of iron from old kettles and other everyday items. Cast iron is poured into the space between the inner and outer molds to form the design (shape), and then iron oxide is used to color the outer surface. This is a craftwork that has been preserved in Kanazawa region due to the flourishing of the tea ceremonies.
Kanazawa Gold Leaf
Kanazawa Gold Leaf
Kanazawa gold leaf is pounded evenly to a thickness of 0.0004 mm without losing its brightness. A piece of gold in the size of a Japanese 10 yen coin is pounded evenly into the size of a tatami mat (approx. 90 cm x 180 cm) and over 98% of all Japanese gold leaves are from the Kanazawa region.
Ishikawa’s Washi Paper
Ishikawa’s Washi Paper
Under the patronage of the lords of Kaga, high-quality papers used for official documents, such as the “Kagahosho” (thick Japanese paper), “Sugihara-paper,” and “Koudan-paper” were made in Futamata of Kanazawa region. Others like “Ganpi-paper” from Kawakita region and “Gasen-paper” from Wajima region can also be found here in Ishikawa prefecture.
Kanazawa Paulownia Ware
Kanazawa Paulownia Ware
Crafts with brilliant lacquer work designs harmonizing with the beauty of the grains of wood are very scarce nationwide. Taking advantage of the features of the paulownia, humid and fire resistant firepots, flower vases, ash trays and confectionery dishes are created.
Kaga Cypress Wickerwork
Kaga Cypress Wickerwork
Due to the lightness, breathability and durability of the cypress wickerwork, it was first made into hats for work in the forests and farms. Nowadays, ceiling decorations, baskets and flower baskets are also made and are being appreciated as simple folk art pieces.
Kaga Inlay
Kaga Inlay
Inlaying is the process of decoration by carving a design into the base metal and then inlaying the groove with gold, silver or other metals. The unique feature of Kaga inlay lies in the “Hira-zogan” technique, where the inner part of the groove is carved in a trapezoid like shape to prevent the inlaid metal from falling out.
Kanazawa Scroll Mounts
Kanazawa Scroll Mounts
A simple, refined finish is one of the distinguishing features of the Kanazawa region scroll mounts. Production techniques as well as restoration techniques have advanced, and today the restoration of cultural assets is being actively carried out.
Bamboo Wickerwork
Bamboo Wickerwork
The bamboo wickerwork has developed in association with the tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Although many household utensils were made, today, due to the increase of industrial products, only flower baskets and other equipments for the tea ceremony are made by the highly sophisticated pattern weaving technique.
Kaga Tsurugi Edged Steel
Kaga Tsurugi Edged Steel
Just as the town’s name “Tsurugi” (now Hakusan city) meaning sword, cutlery smithing has flourished in Tsurugi for many years. Items produced include agricultural and forestry tools and household utensils. Today very unique hoes, sickles and hatchets are made upon order.