Harvest season, autumn
In the tale of artisans Vol.8 with the theme of “Minori”, we introduce two crafts, “Koshu inden” with its fruit-like coloring, and “Tokyo picture frame” that bring out the various charms of works of art. The colors of the harvest will bring you an abundant time. Please enjoy yourself as long as time permits.
Inden is made by the traditional technique of applying a pattern to deerskin with lacquer. The name “Inden” is said to have been given by foreigners who came to Japan during the Kanei period (1624-1644), when Indian decorative leather was presented to the shogunate. Later, during the Edo period (1603-1868), Inden products were produced all over Japan, but Koshu inden, produced in Yamanashi Prefecture, is thought to have formed a production center by the end of the Edo period, as it is mentioned in the “Kofu Kaimono Hitori Annai (Guide to Kofu and its products)” of 1854.
Yusuke Yamamoto
Born in 1982 in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. He is the third generation of Koshu inden craftsmen since his grandfather’s generation. Together with his younger brother, Noriyuki, he strives to increase the demand for and improve the quality of Koshu inden. He also strives to pass on accurate traditional techniques, and is currently the only person in Japan to hold the title of Koshu Inden Traditional Craftsman (General Division).
https://www.yamamoto-inden.com/ (Japanese only)
It was not until the Meiji period (1868-1912), with the influx of Western-style painting techniques (oil painting), that picture frames began to be produced in earnest in Japan. At that time, a joiner made the wooden frame according to the artist’s instructions, a Buddhist statue carver carved the frame, and a lacquer painter finished the lacquering process. While foreign picture frames mainly use existing materials called moldings, Tokyo picture frames are fully custom-made according to the client’s requests. The craftsmen also makes full use of traditional techniques to create strength and beauty, such as reinforcing the fastening joints of the outer edge with “kusabi (wedge)” or “sengiri (shredding)”. Tokyo picture frames were designated as a traditional craft by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1982.
Established in 1947. The company was founded in Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, when the founder, who took over a joinery workshop, produced picture frames for overseas markets, mainly utilizing lacquer techniques. Today, at its workshop in Machiya, Arakawa-ku, the company is taking on the challenge of creating a diverse range of products that explore the possibilities of picture frames, as well as frames for Japanese and Western-style paintings.
https://www.fujiseigaku.com/ (Japanese only)
