An Introduction to Raden and Mingei
Japan is renowned for its exquisite crafts, where meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for materials are hallmarks of craftsmanship. Whether in metalworking, pottery, paper, woodworking, textiles, or jewelry, Japanese artisans strive to bring out the essence and soul of the materials they work with. On this segment of the Lovely Loop, we’ll introduce you to two unique types of crafts that use locally sourced materials.
Raden (螺鈿)
Raden is a Japanese decorative technique involving the inlaying of thin layers of iridescent mother-of-pearl or abalone shells into carved surfaces of lacquer or wood. The word raden combines the kanji characters ra (螺), meaning "shell," and den (鈿), meaning "inlaid." This technique has been practiced in Japan for around 1,300 years.
The process of raden involves meticulously cutting and embedding thin pieces of shell into lacquerware. Once the desired design is achieved, additional layers of lacquer are applied over the shell pieces to seal them in, resulting in intricate and luminous designs.
In Arashiyama, you can witness stunning examples of this craft at Sagaraden Nomura. Founded in 1910, Sagaraden Nomura is the only workshop in Kyoto that produces Raden. Their craftspeople are dedicated to achieving the perfect balance of seashell luminosity and inlay delicacy. They superimpose ultra-thin layers of 0.1 mm or less over each other in an elaborate process, resulting in items of maximum durability and beauty.
Address: 26 Sagashakado Daimoncho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8422
Phone: +81-75-871-4353
Hours: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Mingei (民芸)
The term mingei, meaning "art of the people," was coined by the revered Japanese philosopher Sōetsu Yanagi. During a visit to Korea in the early 1920s, Yanagi was captivated by the timeless beauty of Yi dynasty pottery—simple, rustic items made in large quantities over the centuries.
Back in Japan, he began collecting folk pottery from the Edo and Meiji periods and eventually founded the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo. Yanagi is the founder of the mingei (folk craft) movement in Japan, which celebrates the "hand-crafted art of ordinary people." He discovered beauty in everyday, utilitarian objects and defined some of the criteria for mingei art and crafts as:
Made by anonymous craftspeople
Produced by hand
Inexpensive
Used by the masses
Functional in daily life
Representative of the region in which it was produced
You can enjoy mingei at a nearby shop, Mingei Tekia, offering a selection of light yet robust bamboo lifestyle products including teacups, cutlery, and handicrafts. During the winter, the shop stays open into the evening hours during the yearly Arashiyama Hanatouro lantern event, where the Saga Arashiyama area takes on a fantasy appearance under the glow of nearly 2,500 lanterns.
Address: Kyoto Kyoto-shi Ukyo-ku Saganisoninmonzenchojincho 15-5
Phone: 075-881-2660
Hours: ·[Weekday] 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; [Weekend/Public holiday] 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
You can easily walk from Sagaraden Nomura to Mingei Teika.
Rakushisha (The Hut of Fallen Persimmons)
After exploring local arts and crafts, a short walk brings you to Rakushisha, a cherished landmark in the world of haiku poetry. This humble hermit’s cottage was once home to Mukai Kyorai, the most prominent disciple of Matsuo Bashō, the celebrated poet. Rakushisha, or the “Hut of Fallen Persimmons,” is a must-visit for haiku and traditional Japanese poetry lovers, embodying rustic simplicity amidst serene nature—a testament to the understated beauty of Japanese aesthetics.
The name “Hut of Fallen Persimmons” recalls a poignant moment in Kyorai’s writings when a storm caused nearly forty persimmon trees to shed their fruit overnight, inspiring a timeless reflection on impermanence—a theme central to haiku.
Bashō himself visited Rakushisha, where he penned his famous diary, Saga Nikki. He concluded it with a poignant verse reflecting the bittersweet feelings of departure from his friend’s home:
"Summer rain
on the wall traces of
torn poem cards."
Visitors can stroll through the modest garden, shaded by persimmon trees, discovering stones inscribed with haiku, including verses by Bashō himself. Rakushisha offers a glimpse into the quiet elegance of Edo-period literary life, inviting reflection on life’s fleeting beauty and the enduring devotion of Japan’s poets to art and nature.
· Address: 20 Hinomyojin-cho, Saga Ogurayama, Ukyo-ku
· Phone: +81-75-881-1953
· Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (10:00 AM-4:00 PM Jan. & Feb.)
Closed on December 31st and January 1st
· Admission: ¥200
· Website: Rakushisha does not have a standalone official website. However, for reliable visitor information, including directions, hours, and details you can refer to the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide.