● Modern Folk Craft ceramics
Kawai studio was founded by Takeichi Kawai, the nephew of Kanjiro Kawai, a prominent potter and key figure of Mingei movement. Pottery created here is both functional and decorative, keeping Mingei philosophy alive. Raised in Kawai family, the actual 3rd-generation Master potter Akiteru Kawai is the heir of the folk craft tradition. Usually, Kyoto pottery is produced by the division of labour, but in order to maintain the uniform style of his works, Akiteru handles all the steps of pottery making himself. Crafting a vast range of pottery from tea bowls to tableware and flower vases, he is passing down the heritage of Japanese folk craft to the future generations.

● The multi-coloured appeal of mother-of-pearl inlay
Established at the end of Meiji era (1868-1912), Sagaraden Nomura is the only maker and retailer of raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) goods in Kyoto. One of the most outstanding techniques of lacquerware decoration, raden consists of inlaying very thin (about 0.3mm) pieces of seashell (those of Turbo marmoratus or abalone among others) into the black-lacquered surface. Due to its high ornamental qualities, raden is used to adorn various tea utensils and accessories. The craftsmen of Sagaraden Nomura play with light, skillfully adjusting the pieces of seashell to bring out the whole variety of mother-of-pearl tints. Atelier is dealing with different stages of lacquerware production, from lacquering to decorating with raden and maki-e techniques.

● The narrowest woven fabric in the world favoured by samurai
Very durable and resistant to stretching, sanadahimo cords came into use during Warring States period (1467-1568) serving as straps for swords and armour. As sanadahimo cord is woven on a loom, it is called “the narrowest woven fabric in the world”. With the development of the way of tea, these cords with their infinite possibilities of design were perfect for tying wooden boxes for tea utensils. For 15 generations, Enami has been transmitting precious techniques of sanadahimo (such as yakusokuhimo, or “promise bonds”, for different tea ceremony schools) and carrying out all the processes of the traditional cord making, from yarn dyeing to weaving.

● Kyoto mounting works combining beauty and utility
The role of a hanging scroll is beautiful presentation and safe long-term conservation of a piece of artwork on paper. Gaining rich experience as master mounter working for Urasenke tea ceremony school, Seikodo Nakajima takes advantage of peculiarities of materials such as washi paper and kire (cut pieces of textile) to deal with all kinds of mountings that combine beauty and utility (hanging scrolls, fusuma and shoji sliding door panels, folding screens, etc.). In Kyoto, the craft of mounting has developed along with fine arts and tea ceremony. Kyoto mountings that match calligraphy and paintings with multi-coloured kire of Nishijin textiles are especially held in high esteem.

● Maker of delicately handcrafted Buddhist paraphernalia
The golden glitter of Kyoto crafts is created in skillful hands of local artisans specialising in stamping of 0.0001 mm-thick gold leaves. Gold leaf stamping technique was originally used for decoration of various Buddhism-related crafts. Even today, it plays a great role in Japanese traditional culture. TADA Kinpaku is an atelier dealing with Buddhist statues and implements. In Kyoto, the elaborate techniques of gold stamping have developed due to the high demand provided by the sheer amount of temples and head temples of many Buddhist sects. Today, gold leaf decoration can be applied to different materials and shapes, bringing Kyoto craftsmanship to the new level.

● Still flourishing phantom dyeing technique

Tsujigahana was in fashion in Azuchi-Momoyama period (1558-1600), when it was a term designating a gorgeous kimono. Nowadays, it’s called a “phantom dyeing technique” because of its very little documented origins. ESHIBORIAN is an atelier where Fukumura Hirotoshi and his son Takeshi are reviving tsujigahana dyeing techniques. Shibori-zome, or tie-dyeing performed by sewing, binding and clamping fabric before immersing it into dye liquor, is complemented by other decorative techniques, such as hand painting, to create picturesque bright-coloured patterns. This precious traditional craft is maintained in the northern part of Kyoto blessed with high-quality underground water.

● The supervisor of fine yuzen kimono making

Kyo-tegaki-yuzen dyeing is produced by thoroughly fragmented division of labour and involves up to 15 various processes. Tomihiro Senko is mastering all these sophisticated processes to create high-quality order-made products. The atelier is excelling in a special technique which consists of using a paintbrush instead of a writing brush for the deepest penetration of dyes into the fabric. Tomihiro Senko is an experienced supervisor of all the kimono-making processes and provides fine goods for the Imperial household. Familiar with the traditional patterns and designs, the atelier is also known for the production of elegant miscellaneous Japanese-style textile goods.

● Well-established shop with a scent of tradition
Hayashi Ryushodo incense shop was established in 1834. It offers a great choice of various aroma goods : fragrant wood, shoko (chipped incense), incense sticks and scent bags. The shop is well known for mastering delicate techniques of chopping carefully selected pieces of aloeswood, agarwood and sandalwood, as well as for its original way of aroma blending. Hayashi Ryushodo counts numerous Buddhist temples and specialists in incense and tea ceremonies among its loyal customers. Subtle scent of incense enhances living space, and can be enjoyed by five senses. Hayashi Ryushodo devotes its skills to passing down the traditional art of japanese incense in all its variations of shape, colour and form of smoke.

● Experience Kyoto culture through Kyo-kumihimo braided cords
Developed in Nara period (710-794), Kyo-kumihimo braiding technique bloomed in ancient Kyoto, decorating Shinto and Buddhist implements, armor, kimono accessories and furnishings. Kumihimo cords with multi-coloured patterns are made using various braiding stands, such as marudai, kakudai, takadai or ayatakedai. At Meikyoan, cord braiding workshops with real tools and materials are implemented under the guidance of traditional craftsman Meijun Naruhashi. After the workshop, enjoy matcha tea in a tea ceremony room, listening to the explanations about Kyoto culture.

● Elegant patterns created with tie-dyeing technique

Established in the precincts of Kandaijin shrine in 1932, Atelier Morimoto is specializing in tie-dyeing. Through the division of labour, the atelier is consistently carrying out all the stages of dyeing process, from designing patterns to colouring. Dyeing is performed with the technique that consists of tying the parts of the cloth which are not to be coloured before dyeing it in different colours (resist dyeing). The atelier is famous for its high-quality dyed goods such as wedding futons decorated with flower and landscape patterns, which require mastering Kyo-kanoko-shibori technique representing the essence of Kyoto tie-dyeing tradition.