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traditional crafts

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Craft

Slow burners

From traditional wicker baskets and classic leather sandals to woven artworks gracing Chinese hotels, the artisans of the Mediterreanean are full of talent – and surprises.

  • Issue #165
  • 5 min read
Alain Rondini sitting in his workshop surrounded by colorful leather materials and rolls
Craft

Object lessons

A creative refuge for its students as much as its faculty and staff, the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has its own nourishing natural rhythm.

  • Issue #164
  • 4 min read
Team members of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts standing together on wooden deck surrounded by cedar buildings
Craft

Making the cut

We join movie directors, curators and yakuza, who all drop in on the young blade keeping alive a centuries-old Japanese craft.

  • Issue #164
  • 4 min read
Sotaro Matsumura working with precision at his whetstone, wearing traditional indigo samue robes in his cedar workshop
Architecture

Festival season

Model-making in Rome, South Korea’s craft revolution and why good architecture should be a universal right.

  • Issue #164
  • 8 min read
Modern residential buildings with balconies overlooking landscaped green spaces and wooden walkways
Craft

Sharpen up

By listening to its customers, pencil-maker Viarco has secured global fans and healthy profits.

  • Issue #164
  • 9 min read
Sharpen up
Fashion

Greek revival

Young Greeks are returning home to revive family businesses while creative expats discover Athens' sunshine, affordable living and thriving artisan scene.

  • Issue #163
  • 6 min read
Tan leather sandals from Melissinos workshop showing handcrafted construction and simple thong-style design
Product design

Digging it

Getting your hands dirty in the name of cultivating your green patch is that much more pleasing with the right tools. And in Japan they have developed the ultimate garden shed accessories.

  • Issue #162
  • 5 min read
Royal Gardener's Club yellow watering can with retractable lid and long spout against beige background
Culture

Moulding minds

A workshop in Florence reveals the mysteries of classical sculpture. Our correspondent gets hands-on to see it all take shape.

  • Issue #161
  • 5 min read
Room filled with classical sculpture reproductions including busts, reliefs and statues displayed on shelves and tables
Travel and restaurants

Hidden gems

The small Japanese town of Yame, and its surrounding countryside, is pulling in visitors with its new inn and craft heritage.

  • Issue #161
  • 10 min read
Traditional Japanese room with tatami floors, exposed wooden beams, paper lantern, low table and built-in shelving
Culture

Romancing the stone

The historic buildings of London, including such landmarks as Buckingham Palace, owe a lot to a dedicated team of stone-carvers and their skills.

  • Issue #160
  • 4 min read
Stone relief carving showing a figure with raised hands looking upward

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