Craft in Everyday Life: Lacquerware, Washi, and Indigo(Aizome)
People often picture Japanese craft as something you only find in museums. In daily life, though, many of Japan’s most refined traditions live quietly at home. They sit on a dining table, glow in a corner, and bring calm and care to ordinary moments.
Lacquerware at the table
Think of lacquerware bowls in deep black or rich vermilion. Craftspeople coat wood with layers of sap from the lacquer tree. The finish resists water and heat and feels smooth in the hand. For centuries families have enjoyed miso soup and festive dishes from these bowls, turning a meal into a small act of tradition.
Washi in the home
Washi means more than paper for writing. People shape lanterns, sliding doors, and modern interiors with it. Light passing through the fibers creates a warm glow and turns a simple room into a space of calm and harmony.
The blue of aizome
Aizome, or indigo dyeing, draws deep blue from plants grown with care. Dyers fold, bind, and dip cloth again and again to build rich color. Work clothes in the past and textiles today both carry this timeless blue that feels fresh and grounded.
Why these traditions endure
These crafts endure because they remain useful. They invite touch, shape light, and add beauty to ordinary routines. At Asho Sora we study these living traditions as sources of future design and connection. The line between art and life grows thin when craft enters the home.
Learn more
If you would like to read more about the artistry behind washi, lacquerware, and indigo dyeing, visit our previous article: Living Traditions: Lacquerware, Washi, and Aizome .