Check out these articles
-
Video article 4:18
Beppu Bamboo Crafts: A Look at the History and Characteristics of the Traditional Japanese Craft From Oita Prefecture. Enjoy the Skilled Techniques of These Bamboo Weaving Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 306 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:09
The Japanese Fishing Rod Is a Delicate and Supple, Yet Strong Work of Art. A Look at "Sao Shosaku," a Company in Kawaguchi, Saitama That Continues to Make High-Quality, Traditional Japanese Fishing Rods
Traditional Crafts- 330 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:30
Kyoto Is Home to Many Traditional Crafts. The Culture of Masonry Techniques, Handicrafts, and Artisanal Skills of the Kyoto Stone Masons Is a Feast for the Eyes!
Traditional Crafts- 80 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:29
Suruga Bamboo Sen-suji-zaiku, a traditional handicraft, is a true work of art! Watch a video of the amazing skills of craftsmen in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, who create delicate and graceful bamboo works!
Traditional CraftsHistoryLife & Business- 441 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:55
Traditional Japanese Crafts: Akita Woodworking. The History and Culture of Japanese Craftsmen Culminate to Create Beautiful Works of Art in Akita Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 367 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:06
Enjoy a Moment of Healing With the Fantastic Lights of Gifu Paper Lanterns from Gifu Prefecture! The Soft Glow of These Lanterns, Handcrafted by Skilled Artisans, Is Popular All Over the World!
Traditional Crafts- 255 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:30
The Sanjo Buddhist Altar Is a Traditional Craft of Niigata Prefecture That Has Been Handed Down in Niigata Since the Edo Period. The Decorative Fittings Handmade by Artisans Are Simply Amazing
Traditional Crafts- 126 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:19
Tsubame-Tsuiki Copperware - A Traditional Craft From Niigata Prefecture That's Been Passed Down for More Than 200 Years! Watch as a Plain Iron Plate Becomes a Beautiful Teapot Through Masterful Craftsmanship!
Traditional Crafts- 96 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:28
Kijoka Bashofu - Cloth Made From the Japanese Banana Plant. Learn About the Fascinating Traditional Okinawan Craft With Hundreds of Years of History
Traditional Crafts- 144 plays
- YouTube
Marugame Uchiwa Fans Are Works of Art Whose Craft Has Been Passed Down in Kagawa Prefecture Since the Edo Period. A Look at the History and Production Process of the Amazing Craft, Which Is a Great Souvenir for Visitors to Konpira Shrine
Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans
This is a promotional video created by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, that introduces the production process of Marugame uchiwa fans, a specialty product of Marugame, Kagawa prefecture.
The fascinating craftsmanship of these traditional artisans is a sight to behold.
Be sure to follow along with the video as you read this article.
The History of Marugame Uchiwa Fans
Marugame uchiwa fans are a craft that have been produced in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, also known as Sanuki, since the Edo period.
Kagawa prefecture is promoted as the "Udon prefecture" by both the prefecture and the tourism association, with the local specialty being Sanuki Udon.
Marugame uchiwa fans were invented by the chief priest of Konpira Shrine in the Edo period (1603 to 1868) as an affordable souvenir for visitors.
It was made of inexpensive materials, was lightweight, and came in a variety of designs, making it the perfect regional specialty.
It uses Washi which is strong, yet light, and other traditional Japanese materials that are easy to process, such as bamboo.
The Marugame uchiwa fans of today refer to the Otokodake-Hirae design (男竹平柄) which was first created in Meiji era. (1868 to 1912)
Long-jointed Otokodake is used as the material for the skeleton of the fan, but round Otokodake was used in the original fans.
During the Tenmei era(1781 to 1789), when the Marugame clan warriors were making fans as a manual occupation, Onnadake-Marue(女竹丸柄) became mainstream, and in the Meiji era, the "Otokodake-Hirae" became more common as it was considered a simpler technique.
The process of creating Marugame uchiwa fans is shown in detail from 0:16 in the video.
Please enjoy the techniques of these Japanese artisans.
Kagawa Prefecture's Marugame Uchiwa Fans as Souvenirs
These days, Japanese fans can be bought online, and they come in a variety of different designs and prices.
There are cool traditional Japanese designs, cute flower patterns like morning-glory and Chinese bellflower, and artistic patterns that show off the craftsman's skills, making them a great gift for people who enjoy Japanese crafts and culture.
Uchiwa no Minato Museum is located in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, and is operated by the Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association.
It displays different kinds of Japanese fans such as Shibu Uchiwa (渋うちわ, Shibu-Uchiwa) and Ikkanbari, introduces the production process, and sells them as well.
There's also a workshop where you can experience Japanese culture by creating an original and unique Japanese fan for yourself.
Summary of Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans
The Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association has also started putting effort into training successors of the traditional craft.
Marugame uchiwa fans have been certified as a traditional Japanese craft since 1997.
At the peak of their popularity in 1955, 120 million fans were produced.
In the video we're shown the production process, and you can come to understand the beauty and appeal of the traditional Marugame uchiwa fans that have been passed down for generations.
【Official Website】Uchiwa no Minato Museum
https://marugameuchiwa.jp/facility
【Official Website】Aoyama Square
https://kougeihin.jp/en/
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 10:44
The Secrets of "Fusuma," a Traditional Craft Indispensable to Japanese Homes! Don’t Miss the Beauty of the Traditional Artwork That Uses Gold and Silver Dust!
Traditional Crafts- 235 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
The “Iga braid” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, has been the talk of the town since the popular animated film Iga Kumihimo” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, which became the talk of the town after the popular animated film ”Kimi no na wa. The intricately hand-woven designs are truly works of art! The valuable work process is also introduced in the video.
Traditional Crafts- 390 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:36
A Look Inside the World of an Embroiderer Who Revives Memories With His Craftsmanship. A Traditional Japanese Craft Where the Craftsman's Heart and Soul Goes Into Every Single Stitch!
Traditional Crafts- 157 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:08
Kirikane: A Japanese Technique That Uses Gold Leaf to Draw Patterns on Buddhist Decorations. Check Out the Beautiful Craftsmanship in These Works of Art Created by Highly Skilled Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 376 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:45
The Gorgeous Carp Streamers of Kazo Saitama; One of the Few Carp Streamer Towns in Japan. The History of These Handmade Crafts and How They're Made!
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture Celebrities- 491 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:04
Chasen: Introducing the Characteristics and History of the Takayama Tea Whisk – A 500-Year-Old Utensil Essential for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Traditional Crafts History- 298 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 14:51
Kakejiku - Traditional Japanese Hanging Scroll Art
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 228 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 13:11
Sword Polishing Is a Highly Difficult Type of Craftsmanship for Maintaining Japanese Swords. A Look at the Uncompromising Techniques That Go Into Restoring Japan's Historical Swords
Traditional Crafts- 582 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:24
Experience Traditional Japanese Weaving on Shiraishi Island in Okayama Prefecture, a Place Full of Nature! The Traditional Textiles and Beautiful Scenery Are Sure to Revitalize!
Traditional Crafts- 252 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:51
Fusuma and Folding Screens Affixed With "Edo Karakami" to Become Works of Art! This Historic Craft, Which Was Used to Write Waka Poetry in the Heian Period, Is Filled With the Japanese Spirit of "Wa"
Traditional Crafts- 247 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:53
Aizome Is a Traditional Dyeing Technique That Has Been Handed Down in Tokushima for Generations. Experience the Depth of Traditional Japanese Dyeing!
Traditional Crafts- 91 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:30
Kyoto Is Home to Many Traditional Crafts. The Culture of Masonry Techniques, Handicrafts, and Artisanal Skills of the Kyoto Stone Masons Is a Feast for the Eyes!
Traditional Crafts- 80 plays
- YouTube
Comment