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.
Traditional Crafts
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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).
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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.
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Textiles and dyeing
Ojiya Tsumugi
Silk fabrics are woven from thread spun from silk floss. They often have a simple texture and modern designs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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stonework
Tokamachi Akashi Chichimi
A sheer summer silk fabric made with tightly twisted yarn. Its unique texture and refreshing feel are appealing.
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Metalwork
Echigo Yoita Cutlery
Forged cutting tools such as chisels, planes, and axes have a tradition dating back to the Sengoku period.
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lacquerware
Niigata lacquerware
It has unique lacquering techniques not found in other production areas, such as bamboo lacquering, stone grain lacquering, and Nishiki lacquering.
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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.
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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.