Japanese handmade home decors and accessories created with the finest techniques of Kyoto craftsmen
Kyoto, the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, has long been home to many traditional craftsmen. Throughout its history, Kyoto’s craftsmen have needed to create decors and accessories with a superior level of sophistication that satisfied the rulers of the time or the large Buddhist temples that were their ultimate customers.
Now in the twenty-first century, Kyoto’s unique crafts utilizing such traditional handmade techniques as wood carving, metalworking, lacquering, and gold leafing can add elegance and richness to your daily life.
Accessory
Pure silver kan pendant
Offered by: Yoshida Jiichi
A kan (meaning “loop”) is essentially a type of accessory worn by Buddhist monks with their robes, but it can also be made into a necklace by threading a chain or string through it. The beautifully hand-engraved, flowing karakusa arabesque pattern that creates an oriental atmosphere is a traditional Kyoto design.
Home decor
Carved wooden lotus flower (Single flower)
Offered by: Yoshida Jiichi
This delicate wooden lotus flower sculpture is finished with natural mineral pigment paints and chrysography. A single large white lotus flower creates an air of purity. These wood carvings are carved one by one by skilled Kyoto craftsmen.
Home decor
Carved wooden lotus flower (Multiple flowers)
Offered by: Marusan
Finished with natural pigment paints and chrysography, the carved wooden lotus flowers, buds, and leaves are perfectly balanced to convey an air of purity with just the right amount of tension. You can also customize them if you so desire by, for example, changing the type of flowers.
Home decor
Iris-shaped lost wax-casted candlestick
Offered by: Kyoto Buddhist Utensil Union
Made by skilled Kyoto craftsmen, this bronze candlestick is carved with luxurious and intricate designs reminiscent of the Rococo style and finished in colors baked in lacquer. The candle saucer is shaped like a lotus leaf, the center of the stand represents a crane’s head and a heavenly maiden, and the three legs are carved in the shape of a lion’s face.
Home decor
Crane and tortoise candlestick
Offered by: Kamosada
This shining brass candlestick has a distinctive design of a crane standing on a turtle’s shell. Crane and turtle symbolize longevity and good fortune in many East Asian cultures. After forming the rough shape in a mold, Kyoto craftsmen hand-engrave this high-class gem. The lotus that the crane holds in its beak serves as a receptacle for candles.
Home decor
Flower vase
Offered by: Kyoto Buddhist Utensil Union
This vase may look simple at first glance, but it has some elaborate hand-carved carvings at the base while the top is designed to emphasize the beauty of flowing curves. This highly sophisticated item with its uniquely Kyoto design has an elegant brown color baked in lacquer to give it a lustrous finish.
Home decor
Iris-shaped lost wax-casted flower vase
Offered by: Hashimotokiku
This rococo-style bronze vase is gorgeously carved with traditional patterns and finished with colors baked in lacquer. Each piece is individually crafted by craftsmen in Kyoto using the lost wax casting technique, so no two are alike. This vase will make a spectacular addition to your table or shelf.