handmade in kanazawa
5 minute read
The art of the Geiko (or Geisha). Geiko are the epitome of Japanese hospitality; they dedicate their lives to mastering traditional Japanese arts including shamisen (three-strings), dance and tea ceremony. Throughout 10 years of training and starting out as ‘maiko’, each geiko begins to specialise in their chosen style, whilst always adhering to strict Japanese traditions.
A JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN'S CRAFT CAPITAL
Rich with history, Ishikawa Prefecture’s Kanazawa (金沢) has a story to tell around every corner. From historic geisha districts and Edo Period architecture to established handicrafts dating back hundreds of years; it’s one of the best places to experience Japan’s diverse and unique culture.
Ben Richards, a travel storyteller and photographer based in Japan, shares his photo diary from Kanazawa, where he gained rare access into workshops in which trades have been honed through generations.
"Kanazawa truly encapsulates what it means to hone your craft, allowing age-old tradition to live on."
Instagram: @benrich__
"AS I ARRIVED IN KANAZAWA, A SENSE OF CALM SWEPT THE STREETS. LOCALS SET UP SHOP IN HIGASHI CHAYA DISTRICT, READY FOR VISITORS TO FILL THE SPACE, WEAVING IN AND OUT OF WOODEN SHOPFRONTS, AND LEAVING WITH BAGS FULL OF GOLD LEAF OMIYAGE."
Kanazawa is famous for many crafts, with gold leaf being the most treasured. Over 99% of Japan’s gold leaf production happens in Kanazawa, mostly by local artisans, but you can see it all over Japan at temples, and on furniture and lacquerware. A mix of gold, bronze and silver is placed between sheets of washi paper. Each layer is intensely beaten, quality checked and beaten again to ensure wafer-thin sheets, so delicate to touch and can disappear if you rub it between your fingers.
JOURNEY
AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY THROUGH ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN
Explore diverse landscapes over land and sea, from historic craft villages and wild forests to dynamic cities, on this exploration of the ancient and modern.
