Artistry of the floating world
Tokyo is home to more than 3,000 businesses that are keeping alive the craft traditions of old Japan. Now, the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project is bringing their beautiful creations to people all over the world.
1.
‘Yukata’ by Porter Classic
Porter Classic’s yukata robe is made from “Sashiko Linen Premium”, a fabric that is unique to the brand. Known for its supreme comfort, it only gets better with age.
2.
‘Yatara-jima’ bag by Marukyu Shoten
This bag is hand-made by Edo pouch craftsmen using surplus fabric from a traditionally dyed yukata and comes from Marukyu Shoten, which has been in business in Tokyo since 1899.
3.
‘Kumiko’ lantern by Edo-Kumiko Tatematsu
Kumiko fretwork is a skilled technique that involves assembling small pieces of wood into patterns without the use of nails. This delicate cedar and cypress lantern by Edo-Kumiko Tatematsu uses four traditional motifs.
4.
‘Gyuto’ by Ubukeya
Every kitchen should have a Japanese knife. This gyuto (chef’s knife) by Ubukeya, founded in 1783, is made from rust-resistant Super Gold 2 steel and has a 19.5cm blade.
5.
‘Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum: Gallery Over the Clouds’ by Takahashi Kobo
Ukiyo-e studio Takahashi Kobo has used traditional woodblock techniques to print the drawings of architect Kengo Kuma. This piece shows Kuma’s sketch for the Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum.
6.
Stole by Hirose Dyeworks
This silk and cashmere stole with a classic samekomon (sharkskin) pattern was dyed by hand at Hirose Dyeworks, which was founded in Tokyo in 1918.
7.
‘Kamon’ screen by Kyogen
Kamon (family crests) have been passed down through the generations in Japan. Kyogen was founded in Tokyo’s Kyobashi neighbourhood in 1910. This byobu (folding screen) was designed by Shoryu Hatoba, a monsho-uwaeshi (family crest) artisan.
8.
‘Plum Estate in Kameido’ by Takahashi Kobo
Takahashi Kobo studio has been using the same time-tested techniques to make ukiyo-e prints for more than 160 years. This framed print comes from ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige Utagawa’s series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo”.
To find out more and buy these products, visit: store.kirari.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
