August 22, 2023

[Yama No Katachi's Plain Wooden Otaka Poppo has been added] "Poppo," a folk art toy handed down in the Sasano area of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, has been passed down by local farmers for more than 1,000 years.

[Yama No Katachi's Plain Wooden Otaka Poppo has been added]

"Poppo," a folk art toy handed down in the Sasano area of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, has been passed down by local farmers for more than 1,000 years.

It has a long history, and it is said that it was first developed as a religious toy by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during his expedition to the east, together with the Senju Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), which was founded as a prayer for victory in battle. Later, Uesugi Yozan, the feudal lord of Yonezawa, recommended the production of Otaka Poppo as a side job in the winter when the area is closed by heavy snowfall, and the technique has been passed down through the generations as Sasano Itto-bori.

Koshiabra, one of the most tenacious of trees, is used. Craftsmen carve in a cross-legged posture, using a unique blade called sarukiri. The beautiful koshiabra and each bold cut shows elegance and affection.

The Plain Wooden Otaka Poppo dares to take off its bright colors. "Poppo" means "toy" in Ainu language, and is an adorable object to look at in your daily life.

Yama No Katachi's Plain Wooden Otaka Poppo
https://www.shokunin.com/en/yamanokatachi/otaka.html

August 22, 2023

[Antique Market] Do you like antique markets? At Shokunin.com, we sell traditional artifacts, which sometimes feel like rare antiques. We often have customers who tell us they would like to display them without using them.

[Antique Market]

Do you like antique markets? At Shokunin.com, we sell traditional artifacts, which sometimes feel like rare antiques. We often have customers who tell us they would like to display them without using them.

While antique markets are known by various names such as flea markets, bazaars, and bric-a-brac fairs, the term "flea market" does not derive from "free" in "free market." Rather, it stems from the word "flea," indicating a market with origins in the French phrase "marché aux puces." This translation refers to the gathering of goods reminiscent of fleas, curated by merchants called "chiffonniers" in late 19th-century Paris. The term also reflects the image of people and objects seemingly swarming in like fleas from all directions. Additionally, the prominent Clignancourt flea market in the northernmost part of Paris gained its name when a visitor, upon witnessing a heap of discarded items from atop the city walls, exclaimed, "This is a flea market!"

France holds a profound reverence for history, tradition, and culture, and this is reflected even in their flea markets. One can sense the European spirit of cherishing the old amidst the stalls of flea markets. In Japan, the period of rapid economic growth from the 1950s led to material prosperity in tandem with industrial development, marking an era of mass production and consumption. However, in recent times, the values of happiness have shifted from material abundance to spiritual richness.

Antique markets are typically held on weekends, showcasing various items such as antique art, vintage utensils, tableware, and miscellaneous goods. The "Oedo Antique Market," the largest open-air antique market in Japan, boasts around 250 stalls. Engaging with history and culture, there's a delightful experience in stumbling upon well-preserved treasures that have been cherished and used over time.

The Oedo Antique Market is conveniently situated near the Ginza showroom. We invite you to explore both these destinations.

Oedo Antique Market
https://www.antique-market.jp
Ginza Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html

References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/蚤の市
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/骨董品

August 22, 2023

[Hakata Ori Obi: Handed Down Across Generations] The tradition of passing down kimonos from parent to child, then from child to grandchild, is a concept we often hear of. Thanks to my own mother and grandmother, I've inherited kimonos and obis.

[Hakata Ori Obi: Handed Down Across Generations]

The tradition of passing down kimonos from parent to child, then from child to grandchild, is a concept we often hear of. Thanks to my own mother and grandmother, I've inherited kimonos and obis. Among them, the Hakata Ori obi has grown on me as something I desire to wear more as I age.

Hakata Ori, a weaving technique for silk fabrics used in obi production, is rooted in the region centered around Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It complements both yukatas and kimonos, making it convenient to tie casually when wearing traditional Japanese attire. While the essence of kimonos lies in enjoying the interplay between fabric, patterns, and accessories to capture the seasons' moods, the Hakata Ori obi offers the unique advantage of being suitable all year round. It's rather uncommon to find a fabric that can be worn with a wide range of kimonos throughout the year. The sight of sumo wrestlers or kimono-clad individuals donning Hakata Ori obis is quite familiar. The obi is known for its firmness, lightweight suppleness, and how it snugly embraces the body, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

During the Edo period, Kuroda Nagamasa, the first lord of the Chikuzen domain, collectively named the Hakata Ori obis presented to the shogunate as "定格献上" (official tribute fabric). While a variety of patterns existed within Hakata Ori even at that time, the 定格献上, now referred to as the "献上柄" (kenjo pattern), became the established design sent to the shogunate every year. Its popularity among samurai was due to its resistance to unraveling once tied, making it convenient when securing a sword to the waist. This widespread acceptance catalyzed its recognition nationwide.

The recognizable motif of Hakata Ori, isn't it the kenjo pattern? This traditional, consistent pattern is a key feature of Hakata Ori, characterized by a repeating motif. It features a unique combination of the vajra symbol (tokko) and a floral dish (hanazara), woven using the raised pattern technique in the warp threads, giving rise to the term "献上博多" (Kenjo Hakata). The stripes on this pattern are named "parent-child stripes" and "filial piety stripes," where the former symbolizes "parents protecting their children" and the latter represents "children honoring their parents." In 1976, it was designated as a traditional craft by the government.

As the production of obi fabrics gained prominence from the mid-Edo period onwards, the term Hakata Ori became synonymous with obi. By the later Edo period, regulations were relaxed to promote economic development in the domain, leading to its popularity among commoners. However, with the decline of obi orders after the end of the Edo shogunate, the industry had to adapt to modernization. While the demand for traditional Japanese attire saw a significant drop due to major historical shifts, technological advancements allowed for the creation of diverse products, extending beyond pure silk to become a part of everyday life.

From my student days, the Hakata Ori obi has been a staple with yukatas, and spotting these obis at festivals and such might be due to my familiarity with Fukuoka, my hometown. Today, opportunities to experience Hakata Ori extend beyond just obis; it's becoming more accessible through various everyday items. In Fukuoka City, there are galleries where you can witness the craftsmanship and products of Hakata Ori. Once you've laid eyes on it, you won't forget its distinctive patterns. So, whether it's in people's homes, around town, or at festivals, how about keeping an eye out for the kenjo pattern of Hakata Ori?

Wakamatsu Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/wakamatsu.html

References
https://www.kyushu.meti.go.jp/seisaku/dento/index.html
https://hakataori-gallery.jp
https://hakataori.or.jp/about/kenjyou
https://sanui-orimono.co.jp/about/
https://chikuzen.co.jp/hakatakenshou/
https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/303/59

Shokunin.com Blog

August 2023

[Yama No Katachi's Plain Wooden Otaka Poppo has been added] "Poppo," a folk art toy handed down in the Sasano area of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, has been passed down by local farmers for more than 1,000 years.

[Antique Market] Do you like antique markets? At Shokunin.com, we sell traditional artifacts, which sometimes feel like rare antiques. We often have customers who tell us they would like to display them without using them.

[Hakata Ori Obi: Handed Down Across Generations] The tradition of passing down kimonos from parent to child, then from child to grandchild, is a concept we often hear of. Thanks to my own mother and grandmother, I've inherited kimonos and obis.