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Yamagata is proud of its tradition of craft-making. In addition to the cutting-edge technology introduced in the previous pages, the abundant nature, history and culture of the prefecture has also given birth to masterful and refined methods for the production of handmade crafts. Many varieties of traditional crafts, exemplified by “Yamagata Cast-Metal” , have been carefully produced making full use of these techniques. In the modern era full of machines, mass-produced goods and disposable goods, these products form an enriching part of our daily lives. Each of them is a creation worthy of passing on to the next generation.

Yamagata Cast-Metal

The tradition of cast-metal crafts has a 900-year history in Yamagata, and has been evaluated　highly, producing many “Living National Treasures.” In particular, Yamagata produces more tea urns than any other prefecture. Recently, long-established cast-metal craft companies have been striving to create teapots with lively colors such as blue, green and red, which have become popular in Europe, where interest in Japanese culture is growing. In addition, because of the design and beauty of the materials, these crafts have come to be used in monuments, street lights, bronze statues and signs, playing an important role in the effort to make culture and history more tangible in our towns.

Iron Tea Urn Made by a Living National Treasure Iron Kettle Teapot

Carpets

Hand-knitted Carpet Carpet Painting The history of carpets in Yamagata began in 1935, with the introduction of techniques from China. These inherited techniques combined with creativity and development in Yamagata to create works that rank among the best in the world. Yamagata is home to some of Japan's outstanding handspun carpet makers. The high reputation of Yamagata's carpets can be seen in its list of customers, which include the Imperial Palace, the official residence of the Prime Minister, and the Vatican. In addition, a form of illustration called “carpet paintings” has been revived by refined craftsman making full use of their skills. The subtle use of colors and shading is so expertly executed that, at a glance, these carpets appear to be real paintings. This has contributed to the increasing recognition of carpet making as an art form.

Knitwear

Yamagata's high-quality and highly-skilled knitwear Yamagata's high-quality and highly-skilled knitwear industry began to grow rapidly around 1950, and Yamagata garnered a high reputation as a producer of top-class ladies wear for department and specialty stores. With the recent increase in the importation of inexpensive Chinese knitwear, many companies are renewing their efforts. By building up their company's brand name through unique technical developments and overseeing every step of the process, from design to marketing, some of these companies have opened shops in New York and achieved a high reputation.

Other Traditional Crafts

“Waterfall” The Light of Wood		Butterfly Stool		Kitchen Knife		Table Knife， “Warabi”
Pongee		Sea Bream Dress		Nautical Chest of Drawers		Lacquer Ware