Artists
Encounter Artisanal Expertise from Up Close
Ishikawa is known nationwide for its centuries-old tradition of excellence in creative arts and artisanal crafts. This focus on consistent quality has long been a part of the local cultural character, with generation after generation of artists and artisans inheriting traditional techniques, while simultaneously infusing them with their own contemporary creative vitality.
We take visitors behind the scenes to meet these experts in their own workshops and studios, as they work to produce everything from subtle ceramics to intricate woven textiles. Every piece they create is imbued with history and passion, and oftentimes, visitors are welcome to try their own hand at their work — when seasoned experts make their work look so effortless, it can be humbling and illuminating to discover firsthand just how difficult it can actually be. Opportunities like these offer a chance to go beyond mere observation and sightseeing, to experience intimate personal connections.
Meet a ceramicist who is truly one-of-a-kind, having revived a long-forgotten technique through years of dedication to become its only living master. Or visit an artisan in Yamanaka Onsen who is the only person in town specializing in kintsugi, a traditional method of repairing broken ceramics using a mixture of lacquer and powdered gold or other metal. Though this technique is technically only a matter of mending dishes or cups, for many it can also be deeply cathartic, as a healing of emotional wounds through the restoration of memories attached to sentimental items.
We look forward to introducing you to some of the artists and artisans who have chosen Ishikawa as their home, contributing further to its rich heritage.
