Handmade in Japan

Discover the exceptional artistry and rich traditions being kept alive by Japanese artisans in the 21st century.

In an era where global interest in handmade, small-batch products is heightening as a response to mass production, Handmade in Japan takes a look inside the workshops of the country’s artisans, revealing their endless pursuit of excellence, and what it means to dedicate one’s life to the stewardship of irreplaceable cultural heritage. Find inspiration in the exploration of handmade processes using sustainable materials and discover the lengths these makers go to in ensuring every product is perfect.

From hand-painted kimono dyeing to wooden trays carving, Handmade in Japan meets the craftspeople of Japan's diverse regions with unique insights into their traditions and how they work.

Dimensions

• Product code: 10808
• Author: gestalten & Irwin Wong
• Release date: January 2019
• Size: 22.5 × 29 cm
• Pages: 320
• Hardcover
• Full colour
• ISBN: 978-3-89955-992-7

Material & Care

Hardcover
Stitch bound

Printed in Germany
FSC™️ (Forest Stewardship Council™️) Certified.

Variations

Delicious places
Handmade in Japan
Less & more
Map of the world
Remote places to stay
The essence
Wanderlust Europe

Irwin Wong

Irwin Wong is a professional photographer based in Tokyo. He specializes in editorial portrait and documentary photography.

Known for his punchy portraiture and insightful documentary photography, Irwin's client list is truly international with names such as Amazon, Nike, The Washington Post, Carl Zeiss, Forbes, Shiseido, Mitsubishi Motors and more. His first photobook about Japanese craftsmanship is due out in Spring of 2020, published by Gestalten.

gestalten

"gestalten continues to actively reimagine the way in which we approach publishing. With our extensive range of titles, we not only seek to enhance and to enrich our reader's lives, but to continually engage with the surrounding creative landscape.

Our origin story began with a focus on the aesthetic, particularly that of graphic design and, over the last two decades, the scope of both our content and our expertise has widened. Today, using a myriad of observations of culture, people, art, and other intimate inspirational informants, we document and anticipate vital movements in architecture, visual culture, design & fashion, escapism, food & beverages, travel, and contemporary art."

In 2014, Little Gestalten joined the literary ranks and ensured that there was a place for readers of all ages within the world of gestalten.

The gestalten narrative exists beyond the textual realm; regardless of the medium at hand, gestalten wishes to inform and inspire our community. We welcome you to enter gestalten's world of creative culture whether between our pages, indulging in images and films online, or at one of our international events. We look forward to the result: mutual inspiration.