25 Japanese Crafts That Best Combine Modernity and Art

Japan boasts many traditional crafts with long histories. At the same time, the country also produces many works made with time-tested methods that break the chains of tradition and become embodiments of modernity and art. In this article, we’ll introduce 25 of these high-quality Japan-made crafts and score them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars based not just on their design but also their usability and durability. Additionally, every item introduced here is available for online purchase.

Tableware (Dinnerware)

1. [Glass] Moon White Old

This is a Tokyo Edo-Kiriko glass, a designated traditional Japanese cut-glass craft. It’s made by Kimoto Glassware, an organization of experienced craftspeople who’ve been producing glassware since 1931. However, this glass is special as it’s the first black-colored Edo-Kiriko craft of its kind, an effect that’s very hard to create. Most Edo-Kiriko glassware are adorned with straight lines, but this design features curved lines, which require the steady hand of a glasswork master. The overall motif here is the moon, so you can enjoy your favorite drink together with the waxing and waning effect when the light hits the glass just right.

Size: φ3.46" x H3.85" (φ8.8 x H9.8 cm)
Weight: 0.51 lbs (230 g)
Capacity: 11.83 oz (350 ml)
Material: Soda glass
Brand: KIMOTO GLASSWARE

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2. [Champagne Glass] SAKURA Magic 2 Pieces

This is the spring champagne glass from the Reikan glassware series, famous around the world for changing color when you pour a cold drink inside it. It’s made by Marumo Takagi, a workshop that also produces Mino pottery and has been in business for more than 130 years. The vivid color effect is very hard to achieve and is the product of years of trial and error to produce the highest-quality glassware possible. The entire line is inspired by Japan’s four seasons, with spring being represented by a sakura (cherry) tree design, summer by fireworks, autumn by fall leaves, and winter by snowflakes. Each piece is beautiful in its own special way. They have more glassware than just the champagne glass, so you can choose one that’s best for you.

Size: Φ2.16" x H7.67" (Φ5.5 x H19.5 cm)
Weight: 0.88 lbs (400 g)
Capacity: 5.58 oz (165 ml)
Material: Glass
Version: Spring (SAKURA) / Summer (HANABI) / Autumn (AUTUMN LEAVES) / Winter (SNOWFLAKE)
Brand: MARUMO TAKAGI

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▶ Click here to browse more beautiful MARUMO TAKAGI items!

3. [Mug (Cup)] 2016/ Studio Wieki Somers Teacup (Spray)

This mug is a more refined, modern take on Arita ware by Studio Wieki Somers, a design workshop out of the Netherlands. Arita ware is known for its azure blue coloring, which has been applied here using the latest, most innovative methods inspired by traditional spray-on techniques. The porcelain is a true work of art, in the sense that each mug tells its own story, which cannot really be explained in words. It needs to be touched and felt to be understood.

Size: φ2.95" x W3.94" x H2.95" (φ7.5 x W10.0 cm x H7.5 cm)
Weight: 0.26 lbs (120 g)
Capacity: 5.75 oz (170 ml)
Material: Porcelain
Technique: Spray / Mask
Brand: 2016/ Studied Wieki Somers

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4. [Sake Cup] SAKURA & AUTUMN LEAVES Magic (Black) 2 Pieces

This is a traditional sake cup from the Onkan series of glassware that changes colors when you pour a warm drink into it. Like the previously discussed champagne glass, it, too, is made by Marumo Takagi. Black and lustrous, it slowly reveals a blooming cherry tree or a deep-colored autumn leaf design when holding a warm liquid like akkan (warm sake). This is a must-have item for any lover of sake.

Size: Φ3.54" x H1.33" (Φ9.0 x H3.4 cm)
Weight: 0.4 lbs (180 g)
Capacity: 2.37 oz (70 ml)
Material: Ceramic
Color: Black / White
Brand: MARUMO TAKAGI

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5. [Mug (Cup)] Tsugaru Finish Fine Grain Surface Sky And Sea

This is a tin cup in the Osaka Naniwa pewterware style, a designated traditional Japanese craft. It’s produced by Osaka Suzuki, an organization of artisans consisting of three nationally-certified traditional craftspeople and 15 other artists, in collaboration with artists working with Tsugaru lacquerware, another traditional Japanese craft. The Tsugaru style involves layers and layers of lacquer atop of each other, which are then polished to perfection. The process is very time-consuming and to achieve the kind of gradation that you see here, you need an artist with years of experience. The design is meant to invoke the image of the sky and sea and can only be achieved by a master putting their soul into their work.

Size: φ2.83″ x H4.72″ (φ7.2 cm x H12.0 cm)
Capacity: 10.14 oz (300 ml)
Material: With tin and paulownia box
Brand: Osaka Suzuki

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6. Tumbler Checkered (Large) Proof Finish (White, Red, Black, Blue, Green, Yellow)

This is another Osaka Suzuki craft featuring the Ichimatsu design consisting of checkered patterns. This tumbler comes in five colors and because it’s an Osaka Naniwa pewterware cup, it purifies water by absorbing all the impurities from it, which gives any drink a smoother taste. Try it out with sake or beer and see if you can taste a difference. Another reason to buy this tumbler is the fact that tin is resistant against rust and discoloration and will stay with you for a long time. The tumblers come in a paulownia box, so they also make great gifts. Lastly, it’s a great opportunity to own a part of a craft with over 300 years of history in it!

Size: φ2.24″ x H4.33″ (φ5.7 cm x H11.0 cm)
Capacity: 6.76 oz (200 ml)
Material: With tin and paulownia box
Brand: Osaka Suzuki

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7. [Large Plate (Platter)] 2016/ Studio Wieki Somers Cake Tray (Spray)

This cake tray is a collaboration between the previously-mentioned Studio Wieki Somers and artists working in the Arita ware style. The azure blue color that makes Arita wares so easily recognizable is spray-painted on the plate in a gradient pattern to create an especially beautiful Japanese craft. We highly recommend pairing this tray with the mug introduced in entry #3. As you can see from the picture below, the color schemes of the two crafts work beautifully together to elevate your teatime to new heights.

Size: φ9.06" x H0.63" (φ23.0 x H1.6 cm)
Weight: 0.84 lbs (380 g)
Material: Porcelain
Technique: Spray / Mask
Brand: 2016/ Studied Wieki Somers

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8. [Large Plate (Platter)] Tin Flat Plate (Nabura)

This is a plate in the Tenmyo-Imono style, a traditional Japanese craft over 1,000 years old. It’s made by Konohazuku, one of the few remaining workshops that still work with mold casting, which is a technique where a mold is made and fired at over 800 degrees, after which hot water is poured into it while the mold is still hot. Tableware made from metal changes color as you use it and brings out a food’s true flavors. This plate is made from a mix of tin and silver, and no two of them are alike, making them perfect for people looking for tableware with a little personality.

Size: φ5.90" x H0.39" (Φ15.0 x H1.0 cm)
Weight: 0.88 lbs (400 g)
Material: Tin, silver
Brand: Konohazuku

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9. [Large Plate (Platter)] Plate (Hana Cloisonne) White & Black 2-Piece Set

Nishijin-ori, one of the most famous of Kyoto’s traditional crafts with a 550-year-long history, was originally a type of high-quality silk textile used in kimono. ORI-ZARA takes those brocades and encases them in a special glass coating to create this modern plate. The finespun look and vivid, beautiful colors are achieved with the use of gold and silver threads, which glitter in an array of wonderful hues when the light hits them just right. The picture above shows the plates’ softer side as they’re illuminated by warm light, while the picture below shows them bathed in white light, which brings out the plates’ different, more sparkly side. These dishes will make instantly any dinner table more glamorous. You can even use them to display accessories!

Size: Φ7.87" (Φ20.0 cm)
Weight: 1.1 lbs (500 g)
Material: Nishijin-ori, Glass
Brand: ORI-ZARA

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10. [Large Plate (Platter)] Kago --Dahlia

This piece is made in the Takaoka bronze-casting style, a designated traditional Japanese craft. Nousaku, the company that made it, was founded in 1916 and was the first place to produce curved tin basket-plates of this kind. Because the piece can be easily reshaped by hand, they are suitable for any occasion. The specific basket we recommend is the one seen on the right in the above picture. When flattened, it resembles a rose, but it can be made into all sorts of shapes, making it a very modern, one-of-a-kind basket-plate.

Size: H0.78" x W8.46" x D8.46" (H2.0 cm x W21.5 cm x D21.5 cm)
Weight: 0.79 lbs (360 g)
Material: 100% tin
Brand: Nousaku

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Kitchenware (Cookware)

11. [Tray] Japanese Set Hemp Leaf (M)

Ominato Bunkichi Shoten is a producer of many traditional Japanese crafts like honso folding screens (used for partitioning a room and decoration) as well as kumiko lanterns and kitchenware. This tray is made in the kumiko style, which is a woodworking technique where thin wooden pieces are assembled together in various patterns without the use of nails. This exquisite modern tray is made with Akita cedar, one of the highest-quality types of wood, and adorned with a traditional flax leaf motif said to protect against evil. It can be used to enjoy Japanese green tea, as a general tea tray, or even as a dinner tray. It also comes in a small size, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

Size: M: W16.53" x D11.81" x H1.57" (W42 cm x D30 cm xH4 cm) / S: W12.08" x D6.10" x H0.78" (W30.7 cm x D15.5 cm x H2 cm)
Weight: M: 0.66 lbs (300 g) / S: 0.44 lbs (200 g)
Material: Akita cedar, waterproofing
Brand: Ominato Bunkichi Shoten

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12. [Tumbler / Water Bottle] Thermo Mug Urushi Umbrella Bottle Bird And Beast Caricature (Red)

These pieces are the result of a collaboration between a brand called “thermo mug” and an artisan working in the Echizen lacquerware style, a designated traditional Japanese craft going back 1,500 years. Made by Takumiichi, these thermoses are part of a series by the up-and-coming Echizen lacquerware craftsman Naoto Tsuchida, made with the idea of “carrying lacquer around with you.” As you would expect from a Japan-made product, the screw top is very high quality, creating a near perfect seal that helps keep the thermos’ insides hot or cold. The thermos’ design has been inspired by the Choju Giga (caricatures of frolicking birds, animals, and humans), said to be Japan’s oldest comic. If you can’t make up your mind as to which color to go with, we recommend the black.

Size: Φ1.96" x H9.05" (Φ5.0 x H23.0cm)
Weight: 0.51 lbs (230 g)
Capacity: 10.14 oz (300 ml)
Material: 18-8 stainless steel, polypropylene, silicone rubber, lacquer
Color: Red / Black
Brand: TAKUMIICHI

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13. [Iron Frying Pan] JIU L handle set (walnut)

The JIU10 iron frying pan is the result of a collaboration between a small Osaka workshop established in 1951 and Tent, a small design office from Tokyo. Together, through trial and error, they managed to create something that works as both a highly functional tool for cooking and a chic dish you can eat out of. The pan is made from an uncoated 1.6 mm thick sheet of metal covered in black rust, which unlike red rust actually protects the iron from deteriorating. By allowing heat to pass through it slowly, the pan brings out the natural flavors of food. The handle is made from unadulterated wood and can be attached anywhere on the pan with a light slide. Each pan is made one at a time by experienced craftspeople and is compatible with gas or IH stoves. The longer you use it, the more oil it will absorb while becoming darker and bringing out more flavors out of your food.

Size: Pan: φ11.81″ x H1.77″ Handle: L7.48″ x φ1.37″ (Outer φ 30.0 cm × Inner φ 24.0 cm × Height 4.5 cm) (Depth 4.0 cm) (Bottom 18.0 cm)
Weight: 2.73 lbs (1240 g)
Capacity: 50.72 oz (1500 ml)
Material: Pan: Steel, Handle: Natural wood
Brand: JIU10

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Home Decor

14. [Vase] 2016/ Studio Wieki Somers Vase (Spray)

This modern vase is the result of a collaboration between Studio Wieki Somers and artisans working with Arita ware, mentioned previously in item #7. Its indigo color is beautiful but, unlike tableware, its sole goal is to beautify a room with nothing but its presence. The mouth of the vase is small, so you have the freedom to imagine what sort of flowers you would like it to hold. White flowers or anything in colder colors pairs wonderfully with indigo, but, in the end, the vase must hold flowers that you enjoy, so make sure to have fun finding the right combination for it.

Size: φ7.87" x H8.07" (φ20.0 x H20.5 cm)
Weight: 0.99 lbs (450 g)
Material: Porcelain
Technique: Spray / Mask
Brand: 2016/ Studied Wieki Somers

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15. [Tatami] Rush Rug Denim F Joy Red (Oval: 190 X 210 cm)

This tatami rug uses only the finest domestic soft rush, which the creator Ikehiko cultivates itself. All tatami mats absorb moisture, are stain-resistant, and eliminate bad odors, but this product is special because it’s guaranteed to continue to do these things even 20 years later. As a bonus, it’s also safe for babies* to use. The soft rush cultivated and used by Ikehiko comes from Kyushu and is known for being thicker and more elastic than other types of rush. The other side of the rug is made from domestic urethane, which provides a comfortable cushion. The modern gradation effect makes it perfect for any setting and home, though the product does also come in a Green version, which we recommend.

*Although it is rare, some tatami mats can cause allergic reactions, especially the ones from outside Japan that use cheap soft rush often covered in industrial pesticides, so please choose carefully when picking out a tatami mat or rug.

Size: (ellipse)74.80” x 82.67” (190 cm x 210 cm)
Weight: 6.61 lbs (3000 g)
Material: Japanese rush
Version: Red / Green
Brand: IKEHIKO

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16. [Paper Cutting Art] Kiriken Hidamari (Three-Dimensional Paper-Cutting) 1

This piece was made by the paper cutting artist Masayo Fukuda, whose papercut works differ from all the others in that they are made from one sheet of paper and are three-dimensional, making them appear more vibrant and beautiful. Fukuda’s larger works can take two months to complete, and each is one-of-a-kind. Because of the amount of skill and dedication involved in the making of these pieces, they could never be mistaken for anything other than art.

Size: B5 (7.16" x 10.11")(17.0 cm x 17.0 cm)
Weight: 0.11 lbs (50 g)
Material: Tanto paper
Brand: Masayo Fukuda

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17. [Paper Cutting Art] Kiriken Nautilus

This is another papercut work by Masayo Fukuda. Similar to the artist’s other pieces, you can really feel the depth and three-dimensionality from the “Nautilus.” The skill and dedication are palpable here, especially in how the foreground has more white parts while, as you get to the background, you find more delicate cuts and black colors as the outline of the subject disappears into darkness. All of it just makes the piece feel more real. Frame it and put it up in your living room or any other place. Wherever you decide to place it, you’re sure to liven it up with this exquisite work of art.

Size: A3 (11.69" x 15.53")(42.0 cm x 29.8 cm)
Weight: 0.11 lbs (50 g)
Material: Tanto paper
Brand: Masayo Fukuda

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▶ Click here to browse more beautiful items made by Masayo Fukuda!

18. [Figurine] Interior "Spindle" -Black-

This is the Gravimorph, a piece of interior decor meant to help adults “relax with sound.” Hailing from Tsubame-sanjo in Niigata Prefecture, one of Japan’s premier metalwork centers, the name is derived from “gravitation” and “morphology,” and means “a figurine that moves with the power of gravity.” Irregular, gravity-powered movements on the piece’s sloping surface produce a pleasant sound like a bird in a tree or the light sound of a pebble rolling down. The Gravimorph doesn’t feature a single drop of adhesive and is made possible solely through precision and skill. The movements and look of the piece are all as simple as possible to make the Gravimorph into the kind of toy that you’d like to use to relax during your off time.

Size: W12.99" × D2.36" × H2.36" (W33.0 cm × D6.0 cm × H6.0 cm)
Weight: 2.65 lbs (1200 g)
Material: Metal Stainless 304 Black Dyed, Wood Walnut
Color: Black / Silver
Brand: GRAVIMORPH

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19. [Art Panel, Dish Set] 4pieces Kemonode Ceramic Tile No.2 ~ 5

These tiles feature images of birds and plants said to bring good luck, which you might recognize from Kyoyuzen dyeing, the famous traditional Japanese craft hailing from Kyoto that’s often used to print designs on the most beautiful of kimono. The piece is made in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, using a technique called “copperplate glaze transfer printing,” which only allows for one tile to be made at a time. As seen in the image above, the tiles can be used as wall decorations or, as seen in the image below, as a spectacular plate or a stand for a pot. The arrangement of the tiles is entirely up to you, so you can use them to express your true, artistic self.

Size: W5.51" x D5.51" x H0.59" (W14.0 cm x D14.0 cm x H1.5 cm) x 4
Weight: 1.23 lbs (560 g) x 4
Material: Ceramics
Brand: Morphoshere

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Household Essentials

20. [Yoga Mat] Rush Yoga Mat Eco Skysea Sunset

This is a tatami yoga mat from Ikehiko, the same company from item #15. Even though this one is a little bigger than other Ikehiko mats, it’s still very light and portable, weighing only 1.1-1.2 kg. Additionally, to eliminate the familiar gum odor from the underside of the mat, Ikehiko used TPE*, which also increases the mat’s grip on the floor and makes it even softer. The product is made solely with domestic soft rush, which eliminates bad odors, has antibacterial properties, and helps people relax. The design comes in two varieties: one invoking the image of a vast sunset and a deep Hawaiian Blue version, so you can choose whichever one best fits you.

Size: 25.98" x 72.83" (66.0 cm x 185.0 cm)
Weight: 2.65 lbs (1200 g)
Material: Japanese rush, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) 3mm
Version: Sunset / Hawaiian Blue
Brand: IKEHIKO

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21. [Diffusers] Room Fragrance Kazamoto

The Ohnishi Tsune Shoten shop, which has been making Kyoto-style Japanese fans for over 100 years, is reinventing itself with these modern reed stick diffusers modeled after fan ribs. The lovely and exciting scent is that of a double cherry blossom just beginning to open, but as time goes on, it changes to a leafy green fragrance followed by lemon, rose, lily of the valley, framboise, amber, musk, and sandalwood. The fragrances aren’t strong like in perfume and are meant to bring to mind images of Kyoto. Other scents are also available, so choose ones that best suit you.

Size: 2.24" x 2.24" x 8.66" (5.7 cm x 5.7 cm x 22.0 cm)
Weight: 0.88 lbs (400 g)
Capacity: 3.38 oz (100 ml)
Material: Porcelain
Type: Kazamoto / Kazagen / Kaza Midori
Brand: OHNISHI TSUNE SHOTEN

* Additional time and costs will be required for shipping fragrances outside Japan.

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22. [Picnic Blanket] Rain Rain Go Away (Large) Leisure Mat

The history of Japan’s furoshiki (wrapping cloth) is long and goes back to the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573) when it was already being used by aristocrats. The company that devised a kind of water-repellent finishing for the furoshiki so that it could carry water was Asakura Senpu, first established in 1892. In collaboration with Asylum, a design office headed by the Singaporean artist Chris Lee, Asakura Senpu has produced this reflective leisure mat. Its calming design is meant to invoke the image of a beautiful scenery being reflected in a body of water, which makes the mat perfect for summer outings. The mat comes in large (right side of the above picture) and small (left side of the above picture) sizes.

Size: L: 78.74" x 55.11" (200.0 cm x 140.0 cm) / S: 55.11" x 35.43" (140.0 cm x 90.0 cm)
Weight: L: 1.34 lbs (610 g) / S: 0.79 lbs (360 g)
Material: polyester
Brand: Asakura Senpu

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23. [Slippers] Reela Wax Leather Room Sabo (Camel) 

Ever since the pandemic started, the demand for Japanese slippers has risen as people started adopting the hygienic habit of changing out their outdoor shoes and into indoor slippers when coming inside. These shoes are made by Yamato, a company first started in 1963 where sandal-making artisans produce each pair one at a time. Every Yamato slipper is so light, it feels like you’re not wearing any shoes at all. The outside is made from real leather which is water and stain resistant, while the lining, insole, and outsole are made from Japanese imitation leather, which helps keep the foot inside the shoes, whether you’re wearing socks or not. Since all of us are spending more time at home now, why not treat yourself to these exquisite slippers? They also come in many different varieties.

Size: 9.05"~ 9.44", 10.23"~10.62" (23.0 cm ~ 24.0 cm , 26.0 cm ~ 27.0 cm)
Weight: 0.2 lbs (90 g)
Material: Genuine Leather, Genuine Leather, Japanese Imitation Leather
Color: Camel / Dark Brown / Ivory
Brand: Yamato

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Clothing / Accessories

24. Haori: Byakko For Women (3 Weeks Made To Order)

Street Kimono is a line by Veduta, which redefines the meaning of Japan’s 1,000-year-old traditional clothing by infusing it with the essence of the streets. This is their take on the haori, a traditional short jacket worn over a kimono to keep the wearer warm. Normally, haori don’t have hoods, but here, Veduta doesn’t let itself be restrained by tradition and delivers something modern and highly fashionable. Unlike a kimono or a yukata (summer kimono), haori is something you drape over yourself, so it doesn’t need an obi sash or belt or any other traditional accessories. The Veduta haori also comes in a men’s version, so why not buy a pair for you and your partner?

Size: One size fits all (Length: 39.37”/ 100 cm)
Material: Cotton
Version: For Women / For Men
Brand: VEDUTA

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25. [Accessory] Beautiful Earrings One Ear K10

The loveliness of hiragana, Japan’s unique writing system, is captured in these earrings by Saori Kunihiro, an ex-calligrapher who wrote the characters used to design these modern, beautiful, curvy, 10-karat accessories. The idea was to express the beauty of hiragana through jewelry, which also inspired the name of the line: Beautiful. But even that word doesn’t seem enough to fully explain how spellbinding these earrings really are.

Size: 1.49" (3.8 cm)
Weight: 0 lbs (2 g)
Material: K10
Brand: SAORI KUNIHIRO

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Related articles:

▶ 18 Best Japanese Folding Fans – From the Traditional to the Cutting-Edge

▶ Perfect for Special Occasions! 9 Luxury Japanese Tableware Brands

▶ 8 Beautiful Locally-Made Japanese Vases for Every Occasion

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*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer's website for more information.

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.