ARTISAN STORIES
Artisan
Ishiura Kenji of Nishimura Tōrō-Ten Brings the Stonework of Japanese Gardens Inside Modern Homes.
As part of the team carrying on seven generations of legacy stonework at Nishimura Tōrō-Ten, Ishiura Kenji set out to bring stone craftsmanship beyond the garden and into the modern home.
Artisan
Kazuto Yoshikawa, Reawakening Dormant Techniques
Kazuto Yoshikawa guided a collaboration to revive the traditional wood-bending techniques of a Mie Prefecture multi-generational frame workshop, resulting in a striking interior design element for your home.
Artisan
Masao Kiyoe, Maker of Indigo Wall Pieces
The construction worker turned first-generation craftsman started his career from scratch, from learning how to harvest indigo to bringing his dynamic designs to life. Learn about his journey of becoming a craftsman in this interview.
Artisan
Takuya Tsutsumi, 4th-generation Urushi Refiner
Through his passions for surfing, skateboarding, and the outdoors, Takuya Tsutsumi, spearheads a movement to revitalize the urushi industry in Japan. Learn about the state of the industry and his thoughts on the connection between nature, crafts, and culture.
Artisan
Hiromichi Nakade, Maker of Oryoki Bowls
Meet Hiromichi Nakade and Kazuya Fujimoto, the makers of the Oryoki and Kodaiwan bowls. A master craftsman sits with his former apprentice to speak about their hope for the declining crafts industry in Japan, as well as the appeal of craftsmanship.
KINTSUGI
Kintsugi
How to Kintsugi: The 3 Phases of Repair
Kintsugi technique is intended and best suited for the restoration of ceramic and porcelain tableware. Other materials and types of wares are possible to repair, but it all started with one porcelain tea bowl in Kyoto, about 500 years ago.
Kintsugi
Have the Kintsugi Kit. Now What?
For those who have one of POJ Studio's kits in hand, welcome to the wonderful world, the mysterious world, the fascinatingly deep meditative world of kintsugi-repair. We strongly believe that restoration is one of the greatest skills one can acquire and hope this educational journey will be as satisfying and nurturing as it has been for us.
Kintsugi
Which In-Studio Kintsugi Class Suits Me Best?
Sometimes there is nothing better than in-real-life learning. If you have the opportunity to visit Kyoto, we offer several in-studio kintsugi class options. However, particularly for first timers, it may be difficult to determine which class suits your current needs best.
Kintsugi
Ceramic vs Porcelain Earthenware
From the beginning of human history, earthenware has been crafted all across the world. Even within the small islands of Japan, the diversity of soil, climate, food, and aesthetics have nurtured unique regional styles. These styles have developed over time and have become synonymous with each region’s culture that go even beyond craft and tableware.
Kintsugi
Step 0: The Patient Chart
Even before beginning the kintsugi-repair process, I always recommend repairers to incorporate Step 0: preparing a patient chart. It’s a thorough assessment of the piece in front of you. Is it cracked, chipped, or broken? Is it made of glass, wood, porcelain, or ceramic? Is it glazed or unglazed?
Kintsugi
How to Kintsugi: The 3 Phases of Repair
Kintsugi technique is intended and best suited for the restoration of ceramic and porcelain tableware. Other materials and types of wares are possible to repair, but it all started with one porcelain tea bowl in Kyoto, about 500 years ago.
INSPIRATION
Inspiration
Bamboo Artisan Weaving Japan's Future
Japanese bamboo weaver, Hafu Matsumoto offered his expertise in bending what is naturally unbending to make exceptional baskets and sculptures for the Spanish fashion label, Loewe.
Inspiration
Guntu: Floating Hotel on the Seto Sea
Part yacht, part ryokan, part high-end hotel, Guntu is not only a true achievement in nautical design, but it also represents something exceptional in the world of contemporary hospitality.
Inspiration
A Tea Stand Merging Old and New
A new and casual way to enjoy Japanese tea. Located on a street corner, it gathers people to have a ippuku or cup of tea in the form of matcha, genmaicha, and more.
Inspiration
Tea-picking in the Birthplace of Matcha
My relatives recently went on tea picking via Airbnb in the countryside of Kyoto, Wazuka. That area has been producing tea for over 1000 years which is around the same time as the introduction of tea to Japan itself.
Inspiration
Japan’s Art and Tools Shop
From carpet cleaners to other everyday items, Nittodo offers Japanese tools with simple designs and functionality made with new and traditional craft techniques.
