The origin and pinnacle of Japanese beauty

Nishijin-ori, Kyo-Yuzen, Kiyomizu-yaki, Kyoto lacquerware... Kyoto crafts, honed in the capital for a thousand years, are the crystallization of Japanese aesthetic sense, and continue to pursue the highest quality even today.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Nishijin weaving

    Pre-dyed patterned fabrics suitable for small-lot production of a wide variety of items. Luxurious and intricately woven fabrics for obi and kimono.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Kyoto Kanoko dyeing

    Tie-dyeing is a method of dyeing silk fabric by tying it with thread. This method produces extremely detailed, three-dimensional patterns, such as Hitta tie-dye.

  • Buddhist altars and accessories

    Kyoto Buddhist altar

    Each step is made by specialized craftsmen working together to create a delicate and elegant Buddhist altar, adorned with lacquer and gold leaf.

  • Buddhist altars and accessories

    Kyoto Buddhist altar equipment

    The products range from Buddhist statues, ritual implements, temple bells, and more. These are prestigious Buddhist implements made using traditional techniques.

  • lacquerware

    Kyoto lacquerware

    It features a delicate and sophisticated "wabi-sabi" design, such as a thin layer of lacquer applied to a thin wooden base.

  • staining

    Kyoto Yuzen

    Characterized by vibrant colors and picturesque patterns, there are two types of yuzen: kata-yuzen, which uses stencils, and hand-drawn yuzen.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Kyoto Komon

    Using Ise stencil paper, detailed patterns are dyed in a single color. It originated from the kamishimo (formal attire) worn by samurai.

  • Woodwork/Bamboowork

    Kyoto joinery

    Furniture and tea ceremony utensils are made by combining pieces of wood without using nails. High-quality wood is selected and the wood grain is made to stand out.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Kyoto embroidery

    Silk fabric is embroidered with gold, silver, and colored threads. This elegant technique originates from the twelve-layered kimono of the Heian period.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Kyoto Kumihimo

    Used for obi-jime (sash bands) and haori cords, this complex and beautiful braid is made up of dozens of threads.

  • Ceramics

    Kyoto ware and Kiyomizu ware

    A general term for ceramics made in Kyoto. Each artist has their own unique style, and Ninsei and Kenzan wares are famous for their gorgeous overglaze paintings.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Kyoto folding fan

    The fan surface, fan ribs, and finishing are all made through separate labor divisions. There are a wide variety of types, not only for practical use but also for dance and tea ceremonies.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Kyoto fan

    This elegant fan features a "sashi-hata" structure in which the fan surface and handle are made separately and then inserted later.

  • staining

    Kyoto black crested dye

    This crested kimono is dyed a deep jet black. The black color is achieved by dyeing it multiple times.

  • stonework

    Kyoto stone crafts

    Stone lanterns and washbasins made from granite (such as Shirakawa stone) that blend in well with temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens.

  • dolls/toys

    Kyoto dolls

    It originated as a pastime played by aristocrats in the Heian period. The costumes and facial features are elegant, and many of the performers wear Nishijin-ori (woven) clothing.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Kyoto mounting

    The techniques for making hanging scrolls, folding screens, sliding doors, etc. are also essential for the restoration of cultural properties.