Handbook for the Appreciation of Japanese Traditional Crafts

The online Handbook for the Appreciation of Japanese Traditional Crafts is a fascinating explanation of seven Japanese craft areas. (At left, an example of Urushi.)

According to the website--sponsored by the Japan Crafts Association (Nihon Kogeikai)--traditional Japanese crafts almost became extinct following World War II. In 1950, the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties helped preserve Japanese crafts and the spiritual values those crafts embody.

The online exhibit provides an online complement to a wonderful resource in Northwest College's Hinckley Library: The Traditional Crafts of Japan (VIDEO 745.0952 T763T, eight VCR tapes). Together, the online exhibit and the videos provide insight into traditional Japanese life styles.