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The first female craftsman in the history of Itoya
Chochin Artisan Mariya Kojima
While manufacturing the lantern, Itoya has been using traditional techniques such as using wooden models and thin strips of bamboo, shaping and painting the lantern manually, and drying them naturally under the sunlight. While the division of labor has become more common in other prefectures, Itoya still carries out all 12 processes manually.
Wooden model
Thin strip of bamboo
Pasting washi paper
Painting
“Mikuni Chochin (Japanese lantern)” (local handicraft name)
Designated as a local handicraft of Fukui prefecture（November Heisei 28）
About the local handicraft of Fukui prefecture.
About the local handicraft of Fukui prefecture.Other than nationally designated traditional handicrafts, there are many excellent handicrafts which have been fostered by Fukui prefecture’s cultural climate and daily life of its inhabitants. Among those handicrafts, those which have met the following criteria are designated by governor of Fukui as a local handicraft of the prefecture.
1, It must be a handicraft.
2, Its main use must be in a daily life.
3, Main part of the manufacturing process must be manual.
4, The handicraft must be produced in this prefecture for a certain period (more than 10 years)
5, It must not only be manufactured with the traditional technique or method, but also with usage of traditionally employed raw materials as its main raw material.
6, It must feature the local cultural climate and lifestyle using the local resource as its material, and it must be manufactured by original technique and method, thus contributing to the unique development of region.
Mikuni Port and Chouchin Lantern Culture
bune ship trade.
Its rownscape is rich in the nostalgic atmosphere and its vibrant cultural festival is passed on to the next generation. At the time of Mikuni festival, held every year on May 20th, chouchin lantern with various crest from each wards are hung under the eaves to create an atmospheric view.
Mikuni Port and Chouchin Lantern Culture
bune ship trade.
Its rownscape is rich in the nostalgic atmosphere and its vibrant cultural festival is passed on to the next generation. At the time of Mikuni festival, held every year on May 20th, chouchin lantern with various crest from each wards are hung under the eaves to create an atmospheric view.
