Shakushi（Rice scoop）
Shakushi（Rice scoop）
Around 1790, Miyajima monk Seishin conceived the shakushi as a local souvenir and taught its crafting techniques to residents. By the mid-Meiji period (late 19th century), these rice scoops were distributed across the Kansai region as everyday utensils. Celebrated for meticulous wood selection, refined craftsmanship, and a biwa-inspired silhouette that embodies Benzaiten’s grace, Miyajima shakushi are odorless and resist sticking to rice—traits that ensure their enduring reputation as Japan’s premier rice scoops.
Around 1790, Miyajima monk Seishin conceived the shakushi as a local souvenir and taught its crafting techniques to residents. By the mid-Meiji period (late 19th century), these rice scoops were distributed across the Kansai region as everyday utensils. Celebrated for meticulous wood selection, refined craftsmanship, and a biwa-inspired silhouette that embodies Benzaiten’s grace, Miyajima shakushi are odorless and resist sticking to rice—traits that ensure their enduring reputation as Japan’s premier rice scoops.
Wood Turning (Rokuro Zaiku)
Wood Turning (Rokuro Zaiku)
Introduced during the Kaei era (1848–1854) by Gonroku Oda, Miyajima’s wood turning evolved from hand-cranked to foot-powered lathes in the Meiji period. The craft emphasizes natural wood grain through minimal adornment, creating timeless pieces like confectionery boxes and tea utensils that deepen in character with age.
Introduced during the Kaei era (1848–1854) by Gonroku Oda, Miyajima’s wood turning evolved from hand-cranked to foot-powered lathes in the Meiji period. The craft emphasizes natural wood grain through minimal adornment, creating timeless pieces like confectionery boxes and tea utensils that deepen in character with age.
Miyajima Carving (Miyajima-bori)
Miyajima Carving (Miyajima-bori)
Miyajima carving is a traditional craft that originated from wood carving and sculpting techniques introduced by Hagii Shosai from Koshu Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) toward the end of the Edo period. This carving art is characterized by its utilization of the natural qualities of wood itself, featuring delicate and exquisite forms created through masterful employment of various carving techniques including relief carving (ukashi-bori), incised carving (shizume-bori), and three-dimensional carving (rittai-bori).
The craft is applied to round trays and confectionery containers turned on Miyajima lathes, as well as to screens and pillars, while three-dimensional objects and ornamental pieces have also gained considerable popularity.
Its unparalleled beauty develops a distinctive elegance and dignity that deepens with the passage of time.
Miyajima carving is a traditional craft that originated from wood carving and sculpting techniques introduced by Hagii Shosai from Koshu Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) toward the end of the Edo period. This carving art is characterized by its utilization of the natural qualities of wood itself, featuring delicate and exquisite forms created through masterful employment of various carving techniques including relief carving (ukashi-bori), incised carving (shizume-bori), and three-dimensional carving (rittai-bori).
The craft is applied to round trays and confectionery containers turned on Miyajima lathes, as well as to screens and pillars, while three-dimensional objects and ornamental pieces have also gained considerable popularity.
Its unparalleled beauty develops a distinctive elegance and dignity that deepens with the passage of time.
Miyajima Clay Bell (Miyajima-Dorei)
Miyajima Clay Bell (Miyajima-Dorei)
Miyajima-Dorei are traditional Japanese earthenware bells with a history stretching back to the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE). Originally, these bells were utilized in Shinto religious ceremonies to call forth deities and drive away malevolent spirits . A particularly renowned design, the “Shika-Zaru,” which depicts a monkey riding on a deer, has been meticulously handcrafted for approximately 120 years, since the mid-Meiji era (1868-1912). These bells are cherished for their simple, comforting sounds and their warm, handcrafted aesthetic . In contemporary times, Miyajima-Dorei continue to be popular as good luck charms and are widely sought after as souvenirs in shrines, temples, and shops across Japan.
Miyajima-Dorei are traditional Japanese earthenware bells with a history stretching back to the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE). Originally, these bells were utilized in Shinto religious ceremonies to call forth deities and drive away malevolent spirits . A particularly renowned design, the “Shika-Zaru,” which depicts a monkey riding on a deer, has been meticulously handcrafted for approximately 120 years, since the mid-Meiji era (1868-1912). These bells are cherished for their simple, comforting sounds and their warm, handcrafted aesthetic . In contemporary times, Miyajima-Dorei continue to be popular as good luck charms and are widely sought after as souvenirs in shrines, temples, and shops across Japan.
