Arakawa's Artisans
Arakawa Ward Traditional Crafts Preservation Society
Artisanal Skills Still Passed Down Today in Arakawa
Artisanal Skills Still Passed Down Today in Arakawa
Lantern lettering
The art of painting characters on paper lanterns. By the late Edo period, the existence of lantern makers specializing in writing characters on lanterns had been confirmed. Around this time, unique techniques developed, including the tracing method used by lantern makers, as well as styles such as “sōkō” and “kagojī.”
During the Edo period, paper lanterns were widely used as portable lighting devices. In addition to characters, they were decorated with family crests and divine emblems and used for ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, festivals, and even as shop signs. Even today, this technique is utilized not only for ceremonies such as festivals and funerals but also for shop signs and other purposes.
Arakawa's Artisans
