Living Traditions: Lacquerware, Washi, and Aizome(Indigo)

Modern Japan often draws attention through cars, anime, and technology. Yet long before these, generations of Japanese artisans created objects that rose above daily use and reached the level of art. They shaped tools that carry both beauty and purpose, turning ordinary life into something extraordinary. Among many traditions, today I highlight three crafts that continue to shine: lacquerware, washi, and indigo dyeing.

Lacquerware

Lacquerware is one of Japan’s most iconic crafts. Artisans coat wooden surfaces with natural lacquer, the sap of the urushi tree. This tree grows not only in Japan but also in limited parts of East Asia, which makes natural lacquer a rare and valuable resource. As the sap dries, it becomes a hard and glossy surface that adds strength, beauty, and even antibacterial qualities. Layers of lacquer transform a simple wooden bowl into something to treasure and pass down as the years add depth and character.

Washi

Washi is far more than paper. Made from natural fibers, it brings warmth and strength that ordinary paper cannot match. Washi filters light with a soft glow, which explains its long use in shoji screens, lanterns, and calligraphy. Today it also appears in design, art, and restoration. Each sheet reflects the gifts of nature and the skill of the maker.

Indigo Dyeing

Indigo dyeing, often called Japan Blue, colors cloth in deep shades that feel calm and powerful. The dye comes from fermented leaves of the indigo plant and the work calls for repeated dipping and exposure to air. This process gives fabric a color that grows richer with time. People long used indigo for kimono and curtains, and now it inspires fashion and interior design around the world. Every piece holds the story of water, air, and the hands that shaped it.

Conclusion

These three crafts show how Japanese tradition transforms useful objects into works of art. They stand alongside many others such as ceramics and metalwork, yet washi, lacquerware, and indigo dyeing remain especially meaningful. At Asho Sora, we see them not as relics of the past but as living arts that can enrich daily life today. Our vision is to explore ways these traditions can connect with modern design and share their quiet strength with a wider audience in the years ahead.