Toyama Clay Doll work was originally started about 150 years ago. Toyama local lord, Maedo 10th generation invited a famous potter Hidenobu Hirose from Nagoya. The skill of this traditional art work is handed down to Toyama Clay Doll Transmission Committee called ” Toyama Tsuti Ningyo Denshokai”.
Owara local dance doll. Doll of horse with legs. Beckoning figure cat doll.
My guests from USA enjoyed calligraphy at a bamboo calligraphy brush shop.
A lacquerware craftsman, Sadaike made a bolo tie tip for me. The design of the bolo tie is Gassho farmhouse in Shirakawago, UNESCO world heritage site. Sadaike says Shiro-Urushi, which is literally means white lacquer is used to make the bolo tie. It’s so meticulous and beautiful. I am sure to wear this bolo tie when I provide tour guide service in Shirakawago and Gokayama. These villages are designated as UNESCO world heritage site.
Kanazawa Wagasa, a Japanese umbrella is one of the traditional arts and crafts in Kanazawa. Wagasa artisan is disappearing, bacause only one aged artisan is maintaining the making skill here. A group of young artisans organize a study group to preserve the skill. I bought the umbrella from ” wagasa minto” on a special order. About 3 months were needed to be completed. Australian sisters took a photo in front of tsuzumi – mon gate of JR Kanazawa station. I hope this umbrella add one attraction to my tour.
The process of making Wajima-nuri lacquer ware is explained to tourists at Wajima Kobo Nagaya. Wajima-nuri is an exclusive type of lacquerware produced in Wajima city, which is located at the tip of Noto peninsula. It takes about 2 hours from Kanazawa by limited express bus to get there.
Wajima Kobo Nagaya provides visiters for having lacquerware experiment to make a pair of chopsticks. My customers, an Australian graphic designer and her husband enjoyed the experiment.
Wajima, including Noto peninsula is also well known for the huge Kiriko lantern festival. It’s a summer festival.
20 or more people join together to carry the huge Kiriko lantern.