Mingei Movement

Traditional wooden dolls originating from hot spring areas in the Tohoku region. Characterized by a cylindrical body and spherical head turned on a lathe, they are beloved for their simple yet warm expressions. Shapes and patterns differ by production area, and traditional kokeshi are classified into eleven lineages.

Ceramic ware produced in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. Produced from the late Edo period, it is characterized by rough clay texture and rustic coloring. As utilitarian earthenware mass-produced for daily use, it features approachable, unpretentious design. Approximately 200 kilns remain active today, making it known as a pottery town. Valued as representative of folk craft aesthetics.

Japan's first porcelain, originating in Arita, Saga Prefecture. Developed from techniques introduced from the Korean Peninsula in the 17th century, it captivated European royalty and nobility as 'Imari' ware exported through Imari port. With over 400 years of history, it continues to innovate today.

A uniquely Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and gold powder. Its philosophy of elevating damage into beauty rather than concealing it symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection. In recent years, it has attracted worldwide attention in art and design.

A traditional Japanese paper craft that creates various shapes by folding a single sheet of paper. It spread among common people during the Edo period, and senbazuru (thousand origami cranes) are known worldwide as a symbol of peace. Today it is applied in mathematics and engineering, contributing to space development and medical technology.

A traditional Japanese art of arranging flowers and plants in vessels to create spatial compositions. Systematized during the Muromachi period, it encompasses many schools including Ikenobo, Sogetsu, and Ohara. It embodies a uniquely Japanese aesthetic sensibility that condenses natural beauty and values the beauty of space and negative space.