Some of Japan's best "hard-to-find" Contemporary Crafts and Designs:
You probably already know that Japan has amazing traditional crafts. Some, like Urushi Lacquer, boast origins dating back 9000 years! Yet traditions are only part of the current, contemporary story of craftsmanship and design in Japan.
At Alfan Select we offer that which is authentic, rarely available, or even known outside Japan: some familiar in a traditional sense, others unique, unexpected, and many with historical or even curious backstories -- such as the metalworker who perfected how to color with light! So discover something new about Japan, explore, read and shop and Welcome to Alfan Select!
New! Starry-night Blue Urushi Bangle
The amazing, warm, silky glow of Japansese Urushi Lacquer shines in starry-night splendor with this handcrafted bangle. This contemporary design born of traditional skills passed down generations assure made-in-Japan craftsmanship and quality. Urushi Lacquer, an exceptional and culturally-rich craft, you can read more here about this bangle. A unique, quality gift from Japan.
Featured Design Collections
Living Color Tumbler Sets | Horie
Colors from light alone! Metal Crafter works magic with Titantium!
Whisper Plant-Dye Silk Scarf | Maito
Can vivid colors be coaxed from nature? Japan Dye Artist says "Yes"!
Urushi Lacquer Bangles | Urushi Sakamoto
Conceived by designer R. Sakamato: ancient tradition in contemporary form.
Urushi Lacquer Earrings | Urushi Sakamoto
Traditional Urushi lacquer. A 9000 Year-old craft - contemporary design.
Handcrafted Bamboo & Metals Collections
Japanese Bamboo Basketry | Suruga Guild
Perhaps to pause at curves and diamond spaces dressed in morning’s light.
Ikebana Mini Wall & Table Vases | Momentum
Japan metal-coloring atelier creates patina colors for contemporary walls.
Hand-Crafted | Copper Coffee Pot & Canister | Shimakura
A morning's aroma! Hammered over 100,000 times, craftwork beauty for use.
Hand-Hammered Blue-patina Copper Vases | Shimakura
Dimpled and shaped by hammer and hand, brings joy and wonder to life.
Blog - Imagine Japan: Color, CraftArts and Life
