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’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
What makes the Starbucks Japan chocolate terrine so popular?
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Government says 5.7 trillion yen of Japanese media was pirated last year, thinks AI could help
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]