Discover the exceptional artistry and rich traditions being kept alive by Japanese artisans in the twenty-first century.

Over the course of centuries, Japan has developed a culture of the handmade known world-over for its quality, precision, and artistry. Today, these traditions are being kept alive by master artisans who have dedicated their lives to the stewardship of this irreplaceable cultural heritage. Handmade in Japan takes the reader on a journey through the island nation, offering insight into its varied and fascinating culture and traditions, while also revealing the histories of its diverse regions, from the fiery southern island of Kyushu, to the imperial capital of Kyoto, to the snowy wilderness of Hokkaido. The book provides a rare glimpse into some of Japan’s most remarkable workshops, unveiling the techniques and stories behind thousand-year-old pottery kilns, katana swordsmiths, and the art of crafting delicate tea whisks out of bamboo. • A look at the skilled craftspeople of Japan’s diverse regions, with unique insights into their traditions and how they work • With exquisite photography of the craftspeople and their impressive wares, and a series of short essays looking at the significance of their materials • A book for people interested in Japan and Japanese culture, as well as crafts in general Irwin Wong is an editorial and commercial photographer based in Tokyo. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he moved to Japan in 2005. He developed an interest in craftsmanship after photographing several artisans for work. His clients include Apple, The Washington Post, Forbes, and Nike.

Details

ISBN13: 9783899559927
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 320
Edition:
Publication Date: 13 Aug 2020
Publisher: Die Gestalten Verlag
Publication City, Country: Berlin, Germany
Dimensions (cm): 29(H)x22.5(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Irwin Wong is an editorial and commercial photographer based in Tokyo. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he moved to Japan in 2005. He developed an interest in craftsmanship after photographing several artisans for work. His clients include Apple, The Washington Post, Forbes, and Nike.

Reviews

"a powerful volume" -- FRIZZIFRIZZI-- "frizzifrizzi, 07.10.2020"
"an informative journey across Japan, rather than an encyclopedic volume of crafts." -- THE JAPAN TIMES-- "The Japan Times, 10/24/20"
"An elegant, inspiring book" -- BOOKSELLER-- "Bookseller, 02.06.20"
"It's hard to put your finger on why it's so soothing to page through HANDMADE IN JAPAN (...). The Tokyo-based photographer Irwin Wong captures intimate moments of creation that satisfy the reader's cravings for travel, escape and tactile design." -- THE NEW YORK TIMES-- "The New York Times (US), 03.12.2020"
"Photographer Irwin Wong documents the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmen" -- TOKYO WEEKENDER-- "Tokyo Weekender, 24.09.2020"
"Taking us through the regions and highlighting the handicrafts associated with them (...) we get an insight into one of travel's great cultural experiences." -- WANDERLUST-- "Wanderlust (UK), May/June 2021"