Designated Traditional Crafts of the Northern Mie Region: Explanation of History and Characteristics

Attractions of Traditional Crafts in the Northern Mie Region

The Northern Mie region is a production area of diverse traditional crafts continuing since the Edo period. These crafts utilize local natural materials and historical backgrounds, created with unique techniques. For example, Kuwana trays use lacquer techniques such as black shin-nuri and kidoro-nuri, beautifully depicting floral patterns. Kuwana cutlery has been valued as hand-forged knives with excellent sharpness.

Historical Background and Culture

Production of Kuwana trays began in the mid-Edo period, becoming especially famous in the late period when they were presented to the shogunate family. Kuwana cutlery was made earlier than those from Banshu and Echizen, demonstrating the high skill of local craftsmen. Kuwana Banko ware was established by potters who passed down secret teapot wooden mold techniques, flourishing as souvenirs along the highways. Tado’s Hikizaru monkeys have been cherished as lucky charms of Tado Shrine since the mid-Meiji period.

Manufacturing Methods and Material Characteristics

Kuwana trays use lacquer techniques such as black shin-nuri and blue lacquer ijiji-nuri, painting floral patterns on the wood base. Kuwana cutlery is hand-forged, with nakiri knives being especially famous. Kuwana Banko ware is made with a unique method using wooden molds for teapots. Kuwana cast metal began in the early Edo period with weapon manufacturing, characterized by thin and beautiful cast surfaces. Hienaga uchiwa fans have round handles that are gentle to hold and easy to fan with.

Production Areas and Regional Characteristics

These traditional crafts are mainly made in Kuwana City, Seki Town, and Tado District in the Northern Mie region. Kuwana City developed as a post town since the Edo period, a transportation hub with abundant raw materials such as timber and lacquer. Seki Town was a major post town on the Tokaido, thriving in barrel making using lightweight and corrosion-resistant sawara wood. The northern part of the Suzuka mountain range is known for producing Japanese drums using high-quality zelkova wood.

Information for Visits and Purchases

There are places where you can experience making Kuwana Banko ware and Hienaga uchiwa fans. For Kuwana Banko ware experiences, you can contact Mr. Ichizo Mori (phone number: 0594-21-0864), and for Hienaga uchiwa experiences, contact Inatou Co., Ltd. (phone number: 0593-45-1710). For the latest information and details, it is recommended to check with the official Mie Prefecture Product Promotion Division.

Explanation for Overseas Craft and Design Enthusiasts

The traditional crafts of the Northern Mie region attract with their long history and unique techniques utilizing local natural materials. The lacquered Kuwana trays use urushi (plant sap), a traditional Japanese lacquer, featuring delicate patterns. Hand-forged Kuwana cutlery is highly regarded within Japanese knife culture for its sharpness. Kuwana Banko ware pottery carries on teapot manufacturing techniques and is loved as everyday tableware. When visiting, there are workshops offering hands-on experiences, providing direct contact with the craft. It is recommended to confirm the latest information with official contact points when purchasing or visiting.

出典

• 三重県指定伝統工芸品（北勢地域）（2026年11月8日確認）

Related Links

• Designated Traditional Crafts of Mie Prefecture (Northern Region) – Official Mie Prefecture