Gifu Lanterns
Encyclopedia
, or Gifu Paper Lanterns, are a special product of the city of Gifu
in Gifu Prefecture
, Japan
. They have been labeled as one of Gifu's traditional crafts. Famed artist Isamu Noguchi
designed a series of Gifu Lanterns that were entitled Akari, meaning "light."
and Keian
eras of Japanese history, which stretched from the late-16th century to the mid-17th century. At the time, they were goods presented to the Owari Domain
, rulers of the area at the time.
The modern shape of the lanterns first appeared during the Hōreki
era in the mid-18th century, and the lanterns' coloration became standardized during the Bunsei
era in the early-19th century.
On April 5, 1995, Gifu Lanterns were designated a traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry
, the predecessor to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The area eventually received a brandmark for its products in October 2006.
. The paper can either be plain, showing off the flickers of light, or decorated to show a scene or design.
Because many of the lanterns are still made by hand, there are three main skills used during production, often by different people. The three skills are hari (張り), surikomi (擦り込み) and moriage (盛り上げ). Hari is when the paper is attached to the frame. Surikomi is designs are added to the paper. Moriage is applying powder to the wooden portions of the frame that remain exposed.
Gifu, Gifu
is a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
in Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of Gifu.Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the Nakasendō...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. They have been labeled as one of Gifu's traditional crafts. Famed artist Isamu Noguchi
Isamu Noguchi
was a prominent Japanese American artist and landscape architect whose artistic career spanned six decades, from the 1920s onward. Known for his sculpture and public works, Noguchi also designed stage sets for various Martha Graham productions, and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces,...
designed a series of Gifu Lanterns that were entitled Akari, meaning "light."
History
There are records of Gifu Lanterns stretching back to the KeichōKeicho
was a after Bunroku and before Genna. This period spanned from October 1596 to July 1615. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* 1596 : The era name was changed to Keichō to mark the passing of various natural disasters...
and Keian
Keian
was a after Shōhō and before Jōō. This period spanned the years from February 1648 through September 1652. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:...
eras of Japanese history, which stretched from the late-16th century to the mid-17th century. At the time, they were goods presented to the Owari Domain
Owari Domain
The was a feudal domain of Japan in the Edo period. Located in what is now the western part of Aichi Prefecture, it encompassed parts of Owari, Mino, and Shinano provinces. Its headquarters were at Nagoya Castle. At its peak, it was rated at 619,500 koku, and was the largest holding of the...
, rulers of the area at the time.
The modern shape of the lanterns first appeared during the Hōreki
Horeki
was a after Kan'en and before Meiwa. The period spanned the years from October 1751 through June 1764. The reigning emperor and emperess were and .-Change of era:...
era in the mid-18th century, and the lanterns' coloration became standardized during the Bunsei
Bunsei
was a after Bunka and before Tenpō. This period spanned the years from April 1818 through December 1830. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:...
era in the early-19th century.
On April 5, 1995, Gifu Lanterns were designated a traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry was one of the most powerful agencies of the Government of Japan. At the height of its influence, it effectively ran much of Japanese industrial policy, funding research and directing investment...
, the predecessor to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The area eventually received a brandmark for its products in October 2006.
Isamu Noguchi
Noguchi began designing the AKARI series of lanterns in 1951. When describing the beauty of his work, he said the following:
The light of AKARI is like the light of the sun filtered thru (sic) the paper of shoji. The hardness of electricity is thus transformed thru (sic) the magic of paper back to the light of our origin—the sun—so that its warmth may continue to fill our rooms at night.
Features
Gifu Lanterns are built around a thin frame and layered with pieces of Mino washiMino washi
is a type of Japanese paper created in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. In 1985, it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry .-History:...
. The paper can either be plain, showing off the flickers of light, or decorated to show a scene or design.
Because many of the lanterns are still made by hand, there are three main skills used during production, often by different people. The three skills are hari (張り), surikomi (擦り込み) and moriage (盛り上げ). Hari is when the paper is attached to the frame. Surikomi is designs are added to the paper. Moriage is applying powder to the wooden portions of the frame that remain exposed.
See also
- Isamu NoguchiIsamu Noguchiwas a prominent Japanese American artist and landscape architect whose artistic career spanned six decades, from the 1920s onward. Known for his sculpture and public works, Noguchi also designed stage sets for various Martha Graham productions, and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces,...
- Mino washiMino washiis a type of Japanese paper created in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. In 1985, it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry .-History:...
- Gifu UmbrellasGifu Umbrellas, or Gifu Japanese Umbrellas, are a special product of the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. They have been labeled as one of Gifu's traditional crafts.-History:...
- Gifu FansGifu Fansare hand-held fans created as a special product of the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. They have been labeled as one of Gifu's traditional crafts and have a history dating back to the Muromachi period...
- Ozeki Lanterns, Co., Ltd.
- Traditional lighting equipment of JapanTraditional lighting equipment of JapanThe traditional lighting equipment of Japan includes the andon , the bonbori , the chōchin , and the tōrō .-Andon:...