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Designated as a local handicraft of Fukui prefecture
About Mikuni Chochin
By using the wooden models, thin bamboo strips and washi paper, an artisan make each chochin lantern by hand using traditional method. Chochin lantern is made strong, durable and beautiful, because every step of the lantern making is done carefully by hand.
1, CONSTRUCTING THE MODEL
We combine the wooden models to make lantern shaped foundation. There are various wooden models
depending on the size and shape of the lantern.
2, PLACING THE BAMBOO STRIPS
We place the thin strips of bamboo one by one on the division of the completed model.
3, PLACING THE THREAD
We fix the thread on the bamboo strips tied round the wooden model. The thickness and the color of the
thread vary depending on the size of a lantern.
4, PASTING
We glue the bamboo strips and threads evenly with the paintbrush in the process No.3.
5, PASTING THE WASHI PAPER
We paste the washi paper on the glued bamboo strips. We place the washi paper onto the wooden model
and glue them together by a hand gesture similar to stroking.
6, REMOVING THE WOODEN MODEL
Once the glue is dried, we remove the lantern from the wooden model. We let the completed lantern dry naturally.
7, PAINTING
Once the lantern is papered, we paint very delicate color and letters, such as letters requested by the customer,
drawings, family crests, and so on manually. We also use electric lamp while painting in order to avoid uneven coloring.
8, COATING WITH OIL
We spread oil coating on the washi papered lantern for outdoor use. Without the oil coating, the washi paper
will come off from the bamboo strips if used outdoor. The oil coating works as a waterproof.
9.SUN-DRYING
We let the oil-coated lantern dry naturally under the sunlight.
10, PREPARATION AND INSPECTION.
We combine the wooden models to make lantern shaped foundation. There are various wooden models
depending on the size and shape of the lantern.
11.FINISHED
