Exquisite quality born from patience

The textiles of Shiozawa and Ojiya are nurtured in the humidity of the snowy winters, and the blacksmithing techniques of Tsubame-Sanjo. Niigata crafts are masterpieces born from the tenacity of people facing the harsh natural environment.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Shiozawa Tsumugi

    A silk fabric made using real cotton thread, characterized by its subdued colors and fine kasuri patterns (such as mosquito kasuri).

  • Traditional Crafts

    Ojiya Chijimi

    Made from ramie, this kimono is woven with tightly twisted threads and has a wrinkled texture, making it a cool summer kimono.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Ojiya Tsumugi

    Silk fabrics are woven from thread spun from silk floss. They often have a simple texture and modern designs.

  • Woodwork/Bamboowork

    Murakami Wood Carving Tsuishin

    Lacquerware is made by applying delicate carvings to a wooden base and then applying multiple layers of lacquer on top of it.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Honshiozawa

    It is made using the same techniques as Shiozawa Tsumugi, but uses raw silk and Omeshi thread. Shiozawa Omeshi has a crisp texture.

  • Woodwork/Bamboowork

    Kamo paulownia chest of drawers

    Made with high-quality paulownia wood and precision processing techniques, it has beautiful wood grain and is highly airtight.

  • Buddhist altars and accessories

    Niigata Shirane Buddhist Altar

    The entire piece is made from plain wood, which is then painted and fitted with metal fittings, and then intricately carved.

  • Buddhist altars and accessories

    Nagaoka Buddhist Altar

    The palace section is characterized by its "Nagaoka-zukuri" construction, which is made up of roofs and pillars, and features gorgeous carvings and maki-e (lacquerware).

  • Buddhist altars and accessories

    Sanjo Buddhist Altar

    This golden Buddhist altar features intricate decorative metal fittings, which are unique to a region known for its metal fittings.

  • Metalwork

    Tsubametsuiki copperware

    A forging technique in which a single copper plate is hammered to shrink it, creating three-dimensional shapes such as teapots and vases.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Tokamachi Kasuri

    A silk fabric woven with a kasuri pattern. Developed during the Taisho era, it is characterized by its glossy black color.

  • stonework

    Tokamachi Akashi Chichimi

    A sheer summer silk fabric made with tightly twisted yarn. Its unique texture and refreshing feel are appealing.

  • Metalwork

    Echigo Yoita Cutlery

    Forged cutting tools such as chisels, planes, and axes have a tradition dating back to the Sengoku period.

  • lacquerware

    Niigata lacquerware

    It has unique lacquering techniques not found in other production areas, such as bamboo lacquering, stone grain lacquering, and Nishiki lacquering.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Uetsu Shinabu

    An ancient fabric woven from fibers extracted from the bark of the linden tree. It is water-resistant and has a simple, rustic feel.

  • Metalwork

    Echigo Sanjo Cutlery

    They manufacture a wide range of blades, including knives, scissors, and tools. Their technique of steel attachment without the use of cutting equipment is outstanding.