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
Hair accessory
wallet
Ring
Tortoiseshell craftsmanship
A craft technique involving the processing of the shells of hawksbill sea turtles, a species of sea turtle. This technique was already in use during the Nara period and has been employed to decorate items such as staffs, swords, and biwa lutes in the Shōsō-in Treasure House.
During the Edo period, many accessories such as hairpins and combs were produced using this technique and became widely popular. Today, the technique is primarily utilized in the creation of accessories such as eyeglass frames and pendants.