Two Niigata Traditional Crafts Associations held their exhibitions at the same time in a historical Japanese traditional house called Kitamaebune no Jidaikan Kyuozawake between 10/16 Tue. and 11/11 Sun..

The Niigata Butsudan (Buddhist Alter) Exhibition was hosted by the Niigata Butsudan Guild. They put together all crafts’ works from traditional pieces to new creations for this exhibition.

“Traditional Craftmanship for the Future” – The five different crafts’ works for Butsudan making was introduced. The craftsmen’s highly trained skills were shown at the exhibition.

Mr. Tanaka displayed his metal works – ‘Futaoki (things for the tea selemony)’ and ‘Fudeoki (brush rest)’ – along the window ledge of the long corridor.

Six establishments of Echigo Kigami provided their distinctive Washi paper for the base to Mr. Tanaka’s exhibits. Both works blended beautifully together.

The different styles of ’Niigata Tamatebako‘ were exhibited. They were made by Butudan craftsmen and Kamo Kiritansu craftsmen. Their skills and experiences have shown the delicate touch and intricacies in this works. This was their second showing of the original creation.

NIIGATA TAMATEBAKO – Exciting New Challenge for Niigata Traditional Craftsmen
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A little girl peering through display cases with her dad. Numerous Makie products like accessories and pretty ‘Koioki’ were placed in the cases. Other artifacts such as lacquered cups, and lacquered pictures were also displayed in the back room together.

Workshop 21 and 28 October – Nameplate making by crafts metal works

In this workshop, participants experienced some metal work and gilding.
They looked serious.

Workshop 3rd November – Nameplate making by Makie works

The craftsman explained in details to any participants step by step during the workshop, and they looked forward to taking their own works home when they finished.

Makie craftsmen gave a lecture about their works and showed each process. A little girl in kimono listened to the craftsman intently.

Veteran craftsmen in Niigata Butsudan’s ‘Happi’ uniform welcomed visitors. They look extremely dashing in the traditional wear.

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Echigo Kigami Washi (Japanese handmade paper of Niigata) Exhibition hosted by the Echigo Kigami Association

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Echigo (Niigata) Kigami Paper makers are gathered together in Kyu-Ozawake for the exhibition.

“Workshops were run by several washi specialists.
There were three different Washi workshops. Families with children enjoyed participated.

10/21 – Experience Washi Dying (fold dying technic) by Echigo Kadoide Washi

A legendary craftsman from Kadoide Washi showed and explained each step in the workshop.

10／28㊐ 10/28 – Washi paper flower making by Oguni Washi Seisankumiai

Making a Washi corsage in the work shop. Doesn’t she look pretty with it

11/3 – Washi mini lantern making by all Exhigo Kigami Shinkokai

Making a Washi lantern with LED lamp in the workshop. They enjoyed making their unique pattern on the lantern.

All the participants received a small gift after the workshop.

There were new washi products such as Lanterns, fans and many others at the exhibition. One of Kadoide Washi’s lantern had a pattern of mountain range. It was a copy of an actual mountain range in Niigata. Oguni Washi flower blended with the distinguished old house well. The dish made of Washi and bamboo produced by Fukushimagata Yoshiashi no Kai offered some nice warms and coziness.

From 10/27, Washi paper and washi goods were available for purchases in the exhibition. Their craftsmen were available for questions and advices. You were able to buy so many attractive goods for this period.

The Seppu Washi contains some leaves and fabrics, and its pattern looks as if water is rippling or babbling.
Kamikobo Izumiya’s paper has some tender softness and delicate colour. They were made of natural materials from the local area and spring water from Mt. Yahiko.
Izawa Washi Kobo exhibited their works with the artist from Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial..

A real wedding dress made of Washi paper was also on display in the exhibition. We had taken a picture of it in the garden with a full of autumn sunshine.

photo: mika nakanishi