Japanese Mingei Folk Crafts by Manami Okazaki

In an era when so much of our time is spent gazing at screens, it’s easy to see why the warmth, intimacy, and quirks of hand craftsmanship have such appeal… the term Mingei refers to useful, unobtrusive, beautifully crafted objects." —Alice Rawsthorn, The New York Times

The Mingei Folk Crafts movement, established by philosopher and art historian Soetsu Yanagi, along with potters Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro in the early 20th century, celebrates the functional designs in hand-crafted objects made by village artisans across Japan. This book provides an illustrated guide to Japan's rich folk craft traditions, highlighting why the Mingei philosophy is even more pertinent today than it was a century ago. Folk crafts have become intertwined with the Slow Life movement and the Wabi Sabi philosophy, which cherishes simple and imperfect items over the bright, shiny, mass-produced objects of modern culture.

This book introduces 34 captivating Japanese folk craft traditions—ranging from well-known and popular to many lesser-known but equally exquisite crafts that are rarely seen. The crafts featured include:

• Aizome: Hand-dyed Indigo Textiles, using the leaves of the indigo plant to create a rich, deep-blue colour
• Bizen: Unique unglazed pottery with an earthy, rustic appearance and simple, charming designs
• Chochin Lanterns: Made of handmade washi paper stretched over a bamboo frame, often seen outside restaurants and temples, including the famous example at the entrance to Tokyo's Sensoji Temple
• Edo Furin Wind Chimes: Delicate hand-blown glass chimes, iconic symbols—and sounds—of the hot and humid Japanese summers
• Inuharuko Papier Mache Toy Dogs: Adorable figures that have served as good-luck symbols since the Edo period
• Maneki Neko Beckoning Cats: One of Japan's most beloved folk crafts, with their right paw raised to attract money and good fortune
• Tenugui Cloths: Dyed using the chusen method to achieve delicate colour gradations, used as kitchen cloths, for wrapping, or as scarves, and even framed for their beauty

Author Manami Okazaki lovingly details each craft and interviews nine talented folk artists specialising in unique crafts such as Koginzashi Needlework, Bingata Dyed Fabrics, and Warazaiku Rice Straw Crafts.

This beautifully illustrated book will be cherished by folk art collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. It includes 400 colour photographs and a comprehensive guide to purchasing Japanese folk crafts both within Japan and abroad.