Traditional Crafts of TokyoTraditional Crafts of Tokyo 東京の伝統工芸品

Kamakura Bori

Kamakura Bori Photo

When Zen Buddhism was introduced from China during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), many arts and crafts were imported at the same time. Sculptors of Buddhist images and carpenters who built temples and shrines were influenced by examples of carved lacquer ware called tsuishu and tsuikoku that were amongst these Chinese imports. A new style of lacquer ware peculiar to Kamakura was developed by these craftsmen who started lacquering hand-carved wooden carcasses. In the early days, huge containers used for burning incense at Zen Buddhist temples were mainly made but the range of products gradually increased to include tea utensils along with the popularity of the tea ceremony at the end of the Muromachi period (1333-1568). It was not until the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912), however, that everyday articles in Kamakura Bori started to appear. Kamakura Bori has some very special qualities that cannot be found in any other lacquer ware. The method which emphasizes the three dimensional effect of the carving by applying black ink called makomo sumi on the vermilion lacquer is just one of these. The bold patterns of the carving are also strongly expressed by the unique carving techniques. The distinctive trays, plates, coasters, bowls and boxes of all sizes that are now the mainstay of this craft.
Kanagawa