|
| The government and the citizens overcame the difficulties of the Restoration together
The arts and crafts came to stagnant stages when the Meiji government took over after the collapse
of the Tokugawa government. When the feudal regime ended, the arts and craft slost the biggest
supporter, the feudal Kaga clan. Ishikawa Prefecture took over the region's traditions, turning
the Craftsmen's House into the mother body to preserve the tradition and overcame the crisis.
In the 5th year of the Meiji periods, in order to save unemployed craftsmen, Kanazawacho Ward
Develpment Office was opened. In the 11th year of the Meiji period, it became Ishikawa Prefecture
Industrial Laboratory and engaged in supporting traditional arts and crafts such as Kaga inlay
work, Kaga maki-e, Kaga-some, Kutani Porcelain.
Before the industrial development became the mainstream of modern Japanese economy, Junya Hasegawa
who was the mayor of Kanazawacho Ward established a corporation, employing 51 craftsmen from the
Craftsmen's House of the feudal days. The corporation manufactured copper ware of inlay works
which were exported to overseas. In the 12th year of the Meiji period, Kutani porcelain
manufacturing company was incorporated. The colorful Kutani Porcelain attracted foreigners, many
kutanis were exported to overseas during the early term of the Meiji peirod.
In the 20th year of the Meiji period, an educational institution was established to train craftsmen
with traditional techniques. It was Kanazawa Industrial School, which later turned to Industrial
High School of Ishikawa Prefecture. This was the first high school to teach traditional arts and crafts in the nation.
Copperware Company, which left a big footprint
on protection and succession of traditional crafts in the Meiji period
|
|
