Kokontozai: KASHIYUKA’s Shop of Japanese Arts and Crafts — Japanese Umbrella

『カーサブルータス』2024年8月号より

August 7, 2024 | Design | KASHIYUKA’s Shop of Japanese Arts and Crafts | photo_Keisuke Fukamizu hair & make-up_Masako Osuga editor_Masae Wako　translation_ Mika Yoshida & David G. Imber

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Wakimachi, Mima City in Tokushima prefecture has flourished as a center of commerce, specifically trade in indigo, from the 17th century on. Buildings line the main part of town, separated by somewhat ornate walls called udatsu. These structures worked as fire brakes, so that a fire in one spot wouldn’t set the town ablaze. The walls were costly, and only the most prestigious and successful merchants could afford them, thus, they came to represent wealth. KASHIYUKA picked up a sample of the town’s most characteristic craft, the Mima-wagasa. This traditional umbrella is made by just one studio on the island of Shikoku. “The decorative threading on the inside is so lovely!” she exclaimed.