Japanese Mingei Folk Crafts Illustrated Guide to Japanese Folk Arts and Artisans

Product Description

This beautifully illustrated book delves into the Mingei Folk Crafts movement, which celebrates the utilitarian and artistic designs of hand-crafted objects by Japanese village artisans. Founded in the early 20th century, the movement emphasizes the beauty of simple, functional items, aligning with the Slow Life and Wabi Sabi philosophies. The book introduces 34 captivating Japanese folk craft traditions, from well-known to rare, including Aizome hand-dyed indigo textiles, Bizen pottery, Chochin lanterns, Edo Furin wind chimes, Inuharuko papier mache toy dogs, Maneki Neko beckoning cats, and Tenugui cloths. Author Manami Okazaki provides detailed descriptions and interviews with nine talented folk artists, offering insights into unique crafts like Koginzashi needlework and Bingata dyed fabrics. With over 400 color photographs and a guide to purchasing Japanese folk crafts, this book is a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts of traditional Japanese culture.