Handmade crafts from Japan

The tradition of lacquer art has been employed in Asia for thousands of years. While the origin of this art form is unclear, archaeological evidence reveals that lacquer was used in Japan during the Stone Age - as long as 5000 to 6000 years ago. Unlike some of the other handicrafts that came to be crafted in Japan under Chinese influence, lacquerware was begun and developed in Japanese culture. The technique of Makie is a highly artistic method of drawing a design with lacquer, then sprinkling this design with gold or silver dust, before applying another layer of lacquer to seal it.

Apart from lacquer, Japan is known for its beautiful silk, cotton and hemp textile crafts, incorporating timeless designs into striking patterns. These gorgeous textiles have been used over centuries to create another traditional Japanese craft - the kimono. Papermaking is thought to have originated in Japan as early as the sixth century AD, when paper was crafted from the mulberry tree, dyed with a wide assortment of shades and embellished with designs. The Japanese tradition of metalwork is epitomized in the spectacular swords that were originally designed for warlords and samurais. Even today, the sword is revered as one of the 'three jewels' of Japan, and is revered as symbolic of the courage and strength of the samurai tradition.