We’ve showcased a number of calming videos featuring traditional craftsmen at work, but this clip has the added bonus of suspense.
The clip is from Kutani Choemon, a Japanese ceramic studio which was founded in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1879. Their pieces, all carefully handmade and hand-painted by traditional craftsmen, are often exhibited at contemporary art galleries and museums and are so admired they’ve even received awards from the Emperor.
To see the skill that goes into one of their hand-painted works, take a look at the beautiful video below. From the thinnest of brushes and the most delicate, precise strokes to the thick, ink-heavy filling-in work, this clip will calm you and have you holding your breath at the very same time!
The number of different patterns created by hand is truly impressive, and reflects the many years of hard work and training by the master craftsman.
▼ The design begins with a tiny, symmetrical circle in the middle of the bowl.
▼ Curved lines are then free-drawn to create the main image that covers the inside of the bowl.
▼ The image becomes more elaborate with a series of cross hatches
▼ Along with a stylised asanoha (hemp leaf) design.
▼ This geometric pattern incorporates the traditional manji, or Buddhist cross, which has been used for centuries in Japan to symbolise virtue and the balance of opposites.
▼ Out comes the big brush and with it, the nail-biting hope that the ink doesn’t spill out into all those intricately drawn patterns.
▼ The craftsman’s skill and steady hand ensures that just the right amount of ink is soaked up by the porous surface, all the way to the tiny corner.
And just to add to the uniqueness of the design, an adorable, bowl-hugging character is added to the side of the piece.
As a traditional craft of Ishikawa, Kutani pottery techniques have been passed down through generations for more than a century. Here’s hoping they continue both the tradition and those impressive hand skills for many more years to come!
Source: YouTube/Kutani Choemon h/t Design Taxi
Screenshots: YouTube/Kutani Choemon
Japanese knife craftsman turns underwear into a sharp blade, cuts through vegetables【Video】
YouTubers come under fire for destroying traditional Japanese product in controversial video
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Lipton releases… Pudding Milk Tea in Japan?!?
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Japanese people share 11 amusing tales relating to pregnancy and childbirth
Shinto shrine will bless your bike helmet and give you a sacred bike helmet stamp
Bandai cancels gacha/blind-buy system for anime cosmetics, will let fans choose what they buy
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says