Kamakura Period, one of the most important ages for crafts

Kamakura period’s contribution to Japanese traditional crafts

The Kamakura period, spanning from 1185 to 1333, holds great significance in the history of Japan. The period began with the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo and ended with the establishment of the new Kenmu government by Emperor Godaigo. The Kamakura period was marked by the rule of warriors and priests, and the development of culture and art, with influences from Chinese culture, and the introduction of culture and technology from the Southern Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Here are five reasons why the culture and traditions of the Kamakura period were indispensable to the development of traditional Japanese crafts:

Development of Religious Culture

Buddhism and Shintoism saw significant development during the period. This led to the construction of numerous temples and shrines, producing works of art such as Buddhist and Shinto statues, folding screens, paintings, and swords. These religious institutions were made by artisans who developed techniques and craft materials, laying the foundation for traditional crafts.

Cultural Exchange

Japan had numerous cultural exchanges with Asia and Europe during the Kamakura, resulting in the influence of lacquerware, karamono, and celadon from China and Korea. These cultural exchanges provided Japanese craftspeople with new ideas and techniques, leading to the development of traditional crafts.

Development of Household Culture

This period witnessed the development of Japanese domestic culture, and arts and crafts played a significant role in many households. This led to the development of traditional crafts such as furniture, pottery, textiles, and embroidery, which were made by artisans who developed techniques and craft materials.

High Aesthetic Value in Kamakura period

The Kamakura era saw people with a keen aesthetic sense and high aesthetic consciousness creating beautiful things. Their aesthetic sense and sense of beauty are significant factors in the aesthetic value of modern Japanese traditional crafts, which are created with beautiful shapes and colors and precise techniques.

Inheritance of Culture

The culture and traditions of the Kamakura period have been passed down to future generations and passed on to modern Japanese traditional crafts. Inheriting culture and traditions is essential to maintaining traditional Japanese crafts, and there are many efforts in modern Japan to preserve and pass on traditional crafts.

The Kamakura period also saw the emergence of the samurai class, with their interest in aesthetics and art contributing to the development of traditional crafts. Additionally, many regions produced traditional crafts during the Kamakura period, which were rooted in local culture and history, and were later recognized as local specialties, contributing to the development of traditional Japanese crafts.

Summary of Kamakura period contribution

The culture and traditions of the Kamakura period were crucial to the development of traditional Japanese crafts. The aesthetic sense, techniques, culture, and traditions that emerged during the Kamakura period have greatly influenced and contributed to the development of modern Japanese traditional crafts. With a long history of culture and tradition, Japanese traditional crafts continue to develop in the present day, and we hope that they will be loved and appreciated by many people around the world.