Vol.29 EDO ERA ARTISTRY FOR MODERN DAY ENJOYMENT

Welcome to TOKYO BEAT - a special series by your trusty Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. The spirit of Tokyo’s Edo Period (1603 – 1868) lives on in countless ways, but some of the best examples of the past can be found in the century-old artistry and craftsmanship of traditional glasswork, paper, and fabrics. Such work has been kept alive by countless shokunin (craftspeople) and remain an integral part of the local way of life, but visitors to Tokyo can not only buy, but also spend time getting first-hand experience with each craft. Here’s how.

Glass Engraving: Edo Kiriko Edo Kiriko is a signature glass cutting style that developed as time-honored etching techniques began to merge with modern technology in the mid/late-1800‘s; it’s easy to spot these drinking vessels, vases and more for sale in antique shops to high end department stores, ready to grace the most elegant shelves. At Sumida Edo Kiriko Kan, a studio located in Sumida, visitors are treated to not only witness artisans in action, using centuries-old techniques to etch complex geometric patterns into glass, but also can actually learn how to do this themselves. While picking one out to take home as a keepsake is a no-brainer, enjoying a 90-minute session to create a keepsake of one’s own is nothing short of priceless. 

Fabric Dyeing: Edo Komon Edo Komon is the method of dyeing fabrics through the use of handmade paper stencils that are incredibly fine and intricate. The resulting patterns look solid from a distance and only reveal themselves when seen up close. While originally reserved for items for the elite, such as kimonos for Samurai, these days, the technique is used to elevate products ranging from casual clothes to handbags, hand fans and even wine coasters. In Tokyo, studios such as Daimatsu Senkojo in Sumida and Kobayashi Sengei in Itabashi continue this completely hand wrought tradition. The 80-year old Daimatsu is a great place to visit, as you can witness how two generations of artisans are hard at work, and Kobayashi periodically holds beginner and advanced hands-on experiences that should not be missed.

Wind Chimes: Edo Furin Colorful, delicate, and aurally pleasing Edo Furin – glass wind chimes – preserves methods developed as glass became more readily available in Japan during the Edo Period. After glass is hand-blown into two inter-connected bubbles, the smaller one is broken off from the larger, main body to create an uneven edge that helps produce multi-tonal sounds. The inside – not the outside – is then painted, so that the glass remains smooth and the paint is protected. Edo Furin workshops like the 65-year old Shinohara Furin Honpo in Edogawa uphold this treasured tradition, and here visitors can either just paint and a pre-made chime, or even blow their own glass to create a one-of-a-kind chime to bring home.

Handmade Paper: Washi What makes Washi – Japanese paper – part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is not only the use of indigenous plants, but also the completely manual methods or paper making that literally takes seasons to complete. The result is a variety of both strong and delicate papers that have been used for everything from stationery to origami, toys and even clothing. For artists, writers, and collectors interested in exploring the limitless assortment of paper for sale, the legendary Ozu Washi Paper Store and Museum in Nihonbashi is a must-visit; its collection of items runs the gamut, and the inspirational gallery and cultural classes will help buyers get the most out of their newly found treasures.

For more information on Edo era crafts in Modern Tokyo, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/

To visit the archives, visit: www.japansolutionusa.com/tokyobeat