Art / Craft

Japanese Urushi Lacquerware: A Legacy of Beauty and Craft

Discover the history, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty of Japanese urushi lacquerware.

Guide to Kanazawa Gold Leaf

Learn about Kanazawa gold leaf, how it’s made, and why Kanazawa remains the heart of Japanese gold artistry.

Gilded Lines and Expanding Forms: The Work of Ishitomi Shunjiro

Explore the Kutani ware art of Ishitomi Shunjiro, where black lines, gold detailing, and rhythmic designs are reimagined.

An Introduction to Japanese Ceramic Glazes

Explore the history, varieties, and beauty of Japanese ceramic glazes and how they transform pottery into works of art.

Guide to Japanese Whiskey Glasses

The golden glow of whiskey—an age-old distilled spirit with roots in medieval Scotland and Ireland—is now beloved and produced all over the world. Japan, too,...

5 Motifs That Feel Like Japanese Summer

In this issue, we introduce five motifs that make you feel the summer in Japan, and suggest recommended items associated with each.

Shaped by Hand, Moved by Nature: Yamaura Saori

Explore the quiet beauty of Yamaura Saori’s hand-shaped ceramics, inspired by nature, daily life, and white glaze.

Guide to Japanese Teaware

Discover essential Japanese teaware and create a serene, meaningful tea ritual rooted in tradition.

Master Tamagoyaki with a Copper Pan

Master fluffy Japanese omelettes with a copper tamagoyaki pan. Learn step-by-step tips, care instructions, and more.

What Is Ukiyo-e? A Guide to Japan’s Iconic Woodblock Print Art

Explore the beauty of ukiyo-e, from Edo-era art history to home goods inspired by Hokusai and Utamaro.

What is Sometsuke?

Learn about sometsuke, Japan’s blue-and-white porcelain art. Explore its history, regional styles, and techniques.

Nihonga: The Art of Japanese Painting

Explore the elegant world of nihonga, Japanese painting rooted in nature and tradition.

7 Lucky Japanese Patterns

Discover eight traditional Japanese patterns that are used in kimonos, crafts, and more, plus insights on their meanings.

Guide to Japanese Bamboo Crafts

Explore the history, beauty, and sustainability of Japanese bamboo crafts.

Breathing Bamboo: The Art of Japanese Painting by Mino Shodo

Discover Mino Shodo’s expressive ink paintings of bamboo, capturing the spirit of nature through traditional brushwork.

12 Japanese Lucky Charms and Their Meanings

Uncover the meanings of 12 Japanese lucky charms and discover gifts that celebrate the beauty of their symbolic designs.