Fukuoka Governor-designated Special Traditional Craft

Preservation of old traditions with a playful heart

The brand name Magojidako was established by Magoji Takeuchi in Tobata city in the late Meiji period. Kite production is pervasive along the windy coast of the Kitakyushu area, and usually the kites are named after their producers. Famous representations are like the Fugu of Moji and Kappa of Wakamatsu. Similar Magojidako is named after the producer, with significant productions various themes and shapes. It is said that Takeuchi makes use of cicada as his main theme with the specific focus on the spice called Meimuna opalifera.

Kokuraori is a thick, durable, and smooth cotton fabric. The striped pattern, created by weaving warp yarns denser than weft yarns using yarn dyed in advance, is dignified and graceful, creating a three-dimensional world with shades of color.
Ogura-ori has been used as hakama, obi, and haori since the early Edo period, and there is a record that Ieyasu Tokugawa used it as his favorite haori for falconry. Today, it is well received both in Japan and abroad, and the next generation of weavers is being nurtured.

The doll is loved for its simplicity and profoundness

Tsuyazaki Ningyo has over 230 years of history while it remains simple, stable, subtle and beloved. From generations to generations, it is made by the “nimaigata” hand-pressing method by professionals. The coloring is done by paints with water and glue and thus it is durable and sharp. Tsuyaki Ningyo dolls vary in its size, one of the big types is the “Fuzoku ningyo doll”, which is a good representation the times and, the owl-shaped type (believed as luck) can be used as a well-known musical instrument called “moma flute”.

Hakata Hariko was first produced in mid-Edo period by the Papier-mâché artists in Kamigata (big cities) by placing a number of layers of Japanese paper in wooden molds or clay molds. Cloths are also pasted, and it is followed by the natural drying process under sunlight and the cutting/dividing process. The hand making procedures are all kept nowadays. Finally bright colorings melted in Nikawa are used for the theme paints of symbols of luck such as tiger and the Daruma doll.

The fine work gave birth to rhythms

The history of sinning top in Japan began 1,300 years ago when imported as a toy from China in the Chinese Tong dynasty. Hakata top, first made in late 17th century, is said to be the first Japanese production. As its unique feature, there is an iron axle driven in the wooden part. The axle is vitally important for keeping the central balance and prevent shaking while spinning. Besides, it may also further accelerate the spinning speed. It is the origin of the spinning top rhythm culture.

The descending bird from up above

Ki Uso is the representation of the bird called Uso staying on a tree (which is pronounced as “ki” in Japanese). In the year 1591, a group of Uso bird flew to the Dazaifu Tenman-gū shrine and expelled a huge number of bees, which invaded and created problems previously. Since then, the bird is said to be the descending bird from up above.
Ki Uso is featured by feathers, which thinly curl and twist and it is used in the ceremony “Usokae” on 7th January in the shrine, the god of luck also descends to comes close to it.

The heroic flag is for decoration in the Chikugo festival, the May festival. The national May festival is commonly believed as originating from the Chikugo one. Two bright-color flags form a pair as a magnificent sign, and the flags make up the traditional scenery of the Chikugo area. Especially in the Asakura area ( known as Haki city in the past) there are sufficient of water supply that made the place suitable for dyeing so the flags are extensively produced. Most of these flags are small ones for interior decoration while there are also big ones as representation of the masculinity of big hero’s in Japan’s history such as warriors Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI and Kiyomasa KATO. Families dream of having a baby boy usually put up one at their house.

The oldest rattle as the guardian for everyday lives

Mount Hiko baby rattle is originated from the Soeda city nearby the foot of Mount Hiko, the place for Shugendō practice. The rattle, with 800 years of history, is believed as the oldest in the nation, and characterized by its clear sound from the unglazed procedure. The ancient emperor of Japan, the Emperor Monmu once visited the mountain for worship a bell, and it was then buried, found, copied and distributed to believers. The bell is believed as a talisman for protection against evils. Sometimes it is buried in farm or nearby water sources for its power to prevent natural disasters from happening. It is an important charm for people’s lives.

The cloth culture from the “padded cloth picture”

Okiage refers to the artwork done by adding cottons gingerly on cloth in a very sharp color. It is a kind of “oshie” (pressing picture in Japanese). Common patterns include flamboyant chicks and Kabuki performers. There are a number of different explanations of its origin, and there is one saying that it was originally a souvenir brought by a successor to the lord in the Arima domain. In the Meiji & Taisho time, the face of the characters was drawn by a profession called Menmoku-shi (literally the face master) while now, the art is mainly continued by common ladies.

The durable & beautiful daily item

Ratai means “using a bamboo basket as the foundation”. As named, the procedure is to add coloring and proceed to a few decorating procedures om a bamboo-weaved basket as the foundation. Based on the Kataji lacquerware production skill developmental traditions platform created by Hanbe SHOGETSU, the famous creator originated from Kyoto and invited to the Kurume domain. In around Meiji year 20, input from tea master Katsuji TOYOFUKU and bamboo-work artist Koushichi KONDO and painter Minejiro KAWASAKI were added and the Rantai Shikki is transcended to its current form. The ware is beautiful, light and durable. Accented tastes are added as time goes by, and so it is widely used and loved.

The strict faces being decorated as house roof in Japan.

The history of Jyojima Onigawara started when Landlord Arima took over the control of the Kurume domain. The roof is famous around the Kyushu island for its elegant color, its high-end shape and high durability. It is commonly used in shrines, castle buildings, and also traditional Japanese houses. The demon roof on top of the house, as named, include the strict demon faces but also cloud and chrysanthemum, the demon-go-away items.

The best rug for the climates in Japan

Nabeshima Dantsu is believed as the oldest form of cotton carpet, and it was first manufactured in the Genroku era (around 300 years ago) when Kogaseiemon learnt the skill from China and attempted to make an Ougimachi carpet. When compared with the popular wool carpet overseas, this Japanese carpet is much unique for its cotton texture, which, indeed, fits well as a rug under the relatively hot and humid climate in Japan. Considering its convenience to use and nice texture, it is widely loved and used in various situations.

The excellent artwork can only be made with Gyokaigan rock

The characteristic of Yame Ishi Toro is the use of Gyokaigan rock, the abundant natural resource in the area. Gyokaigan rock is light, soft and easily weathered that make it not suitable for fine processes, while on the contrary, it is highly heat and cold resistant and easily mossed. And so, this is just the perfect material for stone light tower. In the Edo period, there were a huge number of experts living around the area and made their living by making stone bridge. And that’ also bred the production of stone light tower.

Practical items well-loved for a long time

The “red earth” in the Yame area has high viscosity that is perfect for the growth of good quality madake giant timber bamboo and tortoise-shell bamboo. And, the bamboo-working made from these good quality materials has a long history; its origin can be traced back to the development of skills in the Fukuoka and Manabe domain in Houei period, which is around 300 years ago. It was originated as the part time hand-production work of the junior samurai. The work is especially famous for the detailed rolling and wounding around the all sides. The thin bamboo strip can be as long as 10m. Without any dyeing and adhesive, the good work is still durable and can be used for over 50 to 60 years.
 

The merits and beauty of Yame Ya

There is a huge number of fletchers in Yame because of the abundant of great raw materials in the area. In Horeki year 2 (year 1752), many fletchers just moved to and stabilized in the area. Yame Ya is mainly produced in a hand-making way, which include the feather-cutting, and the bamboo extending procedure through charcoal fire called “aratame”. Basically, four bamboo sticks form a group and all these sticks are with almost the same weight and same length. Lately miniature for decoration purpose is also producing, amazingly from the same material, and it is receiving more and more attention and lovers.

The simple but heart-warming clay doll

The Aakasaka Ningyo doll is originated in mid- Edo period, it was first created by the skillful professional crafters in the famous and popular  Akasaka-Yaki craft for the emperor in Arima domain. It is also called “teteppopo” by the locals at that time, which literally meant “clumsy persons” in the ancient accent in the Chikugo area. As named, it is rough and the protrudes are all remained as they are when they are molded. The colors are simple as well, and it presents a sense of roughness and simplicity. 

The strength and beauty of sculpture

Okawa Chokoku is famous for its penetrating beauty of the fine linings and dimensions on a relatively thin Yaku-cedar wooden board. It is a great representation of the creator’s sensitivity, the understanding towards the piece of wooden board and accumulated professional skills. The tradition is believed to pass through the Tachikawa river in the Tachibana domain in the past, and in late Edo period it was widely used to decoration in shrine’s altars. It went pervasive in recent centauries. It is a national treasure, but it is also a common art that can be found in many Japanese houses as decorations.

A fine and detailedly sculpted wood pattern

Okawa Kumiko, has over 300 years of history and its beauty well persevered. The basic triangular pattern is called Mitsukute and developed from it are over 200 variations. To accomplish this, professional sculptors are said to have skills as fine as for small units like micron. During peak seasons these excellent crafters are able to make up to thousands of these great art works, which are both great to catch your eyes and fine to surprise by its details. All components work perfectly together as one complete,whole piece.