● The warm simplicity of Raku ware pottery
Rakunyu-gama is a kiln mastering the traditional techniques of Raku-yaki, highly prized pottery used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Its activities are centered around the production of matcha tea bowls, as well as various flower vases, incense containers and plates. As Raku ware is moulded by hand without the use of a potter’s wheel, its charm lies in a warm and rustic appearance. Developed as a part of Kyoto culture, its technique and texture differ from those of the typical Kyoto ware. Along with the creation of Raku-yaki, characterized by low-temperature firing, Rakunyu-gama is also striving to create light-colored ceramics.

● Traditional bamboo craft in modern Japanese lifestyle
Japanese art of bamboo weaving and plaiting takes full advantage of the strength and flexibility of bamboo strips to produce high-quality baskets. Meet the artisan who went further and challenged himself to create elegant bags using the traditional basket-making technique. The various processes involved in the creation of a hand-woven bag, such as bamboo splitting, weaving, lacquer applying and sewing, are all done by one person with a scrupulous attention to detail. It is said that it takes 3 years to learn how to split bamboo properly: mastering the Japanese weaving and plaiting techniques requires long-time training and effort. 8 basic ways of bamboo weaving unfold into infinite variations of shapes and patterns.

● Uniqueness of subtle green glaze
UNRAKU-gama kiln holds a special place in the rich Kyo-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki pottery tradition. Kyoto-style earthenware produced here is well-known for its original traditional patterns depicting the beauty of nature, meticulously painted over smooth surface. Slightly greenish aomatto glaze has become the most representative feature of UNRAKU-gama production. Skillful potter pays attention to the conditions of firing, which may eventually bring out the whiteness or crystallization of the glaze. This innovative kiln was the first in the national ceramics industry to introduce the practice of firing in an electric kiln, making a huge contribution to the world of Japanese pottery tradition.

● Kyoto round fans, elegant touch of freshness
Kyoto round fans, called Kyo-uchiwa or miyako-uchiwa, enjoy great popularity for their fine and elegant appearance. With sophisticated designs incorporating different craft techniques like openwork or woodblock printing to enhance decorative elements, Kyo-uchiwa tends to add a fresh touch of colour to any interior. The ribs and handles of Kyoto round fans are made separately in a style called sashie : about 100 bamboo ribs are arranged radially by hand, and the handle is attached at the end of the process. Every year, Shiomi Dansen carries out the production of more than 200 varieties of fans with traditional designs and handles of all kinds.

● The last standing spinning top maker
In Momoyama period (1568-1600), imperial court ladies used to wind bright-colored kimono fabric strips around a bamboo rod to make a “tatami room spinning top”, the ancestor of modern Kyo-koma, or Kyoto spinning top. The craft of spinning top making has long flourished, but now Jakkyu remains the only place in Kyoto to carry on this unique tradition. No edged tools are involved in Kyo-koma shaping process: flat cotton strips dyed in vivid colors are rolled around a bamboo rod using only fingers. Even today, elegant Kyoto spinning tops are popular for their beautiful smooth rotation.

● Solemn splendor of gold
Gold leaf stamping technique, originally used for decoration of various religious furnishings, fittings and statues in Buddhist temples, consists of gluing gold leaves to the plane or three-dimensional surface with the help of urushi lacquer. Kyoto gold leaf stamping is characterized by a luxurious rich gloss created by the meticulous handwork of high-skilled artisans. Studio’s master craftsman Norifumi Fujisawa is actively engaged not only in Buddhist fittings decoration, but also in numerous fashion and interior design collaborations.

●The beauty of Nishiki created through orchestrated effort of numerous craftsmen
Since ancient times, Nishiki-ori, Kyoto silk brocades woven with gold, silver and multi-colored threads, have been valued for their luxurious appearance. KOHO Nishiki Textile Studio undertakes the restoration of precious ancient textiles and conducts a thorough research about the traditional weaving techniques, from the silk cocoons processing to the tools and weaving equipment. Nishiki textiles are created through the combined skills of numerous craftsmen, involving not less than 70 various processes. The works of the textile artist Koho Tatsumura are characterized by a stunning luminous three-dimensional effect and are called “The Weaving of Light” overseas.

● Exquisite delicacy of hand-painted yuzen
Tegaki-yuzen, or hand-painted yuzen, is one of numerous Kyoto yuzen dyeing techniques which consists of applying colours with a brush on white fabric. Due to its exceptional craftsmanship, people sometimes praise it as a wearable art. The entire kimono making process is separated into 20 different stages, and each stage is carried out by a different craftsman. Sensho Ichikawa mainly plays the role of a supervisor who organizes all the elaborate processes involved in kimono creation, from the pattern and colour design to the last finishing touch. The company is committed to hand down its expertise to future generations.

● Nishijin Tsuzure-ori: delicate painting-like brocade weaving
Have you ever heard of Kyoto nail-scratching tapestry weaving technique? Artisan sharpens his fingernails into a saw-tooth shape and uses them like a comb to create a relief brocade pattern. This technique is very advanced and time consuming — even the most skillful and experienced craftsman spends the whole day to weave only a few centimeters of textile. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to learn from the master craftsman Kikuo Hirano about Tsuzure-ori weaving and get some insights into the art of color arrangement.

● Delicate handmade candlelight
In Kyoto, where the headquarters of all the Buddhist sects are located, handmade warosoku (Japanese candle) production is a highly valued traditional craft. Due to the vegetal origin of materials (warosoku are made from haze tree wax, washi paper and vegetal fibres), they don’t release oily smoke or soot while burning. Nakamura Rosoku, Japanese candle maker since 1887, is still following the traditional method of shaping candles one by one with the help of a wooden mould and applying the last coat of melted wax by hands. Warosoku made by this technique are appreciated for their bright shimmering flame.