1 / 2Image: Wikimedia Commons
Gifu Chochin are Bon lanterns produced mainly in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, characterized by their delicate and elegant paper shades made from high-quality bamboo ribs and thin yet strong Mino Washi paper from the Mino region, decorated with autumn grasses, landscapes, and other motifs. With a history of more than 300 years dating back to the Edo period, they have also earned high acclaim overseas, winning a silver medal at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, a gold medal at the 1905 Liege International Exposition, and a gold medal again at the 1937 Paris International Exposition. They come in many varieties, including the hanging 'Gosho Chochin' and the standing 'Ouchi Andon' and 'Kaiten Andon,' and are loved for the elegant atmosphere and refreshing seasonal feel they create when lit. Designated a national Traditional Craft in 1995, long-established lantern makers in Gifu City continue to hand-craft them today.
Origin
The origins of Gifu Chochin date back to the Edo period, when lantern-making flourished thanks to the favorable combination of abundant bamboo grown in the Mino region and thin, high-quality Mino Washi paper. Initially made as practical lighting fixtures, they gradually developed into highly artistic lanterns adorned with elaborate paintings and designs.
History
From the Meiji era to the early Showa era, Gifu Chochin earned high acclaim at overseas expositions, winning a silver medal at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, a gold medal at the 1905 Liege International Exposition, and a gold medal again at the 1937 Paris International Exposition. Over their long history they became rooted in daily life as Bon lanterns, and in 1995 they were designated a national Traditional Craft.
Features
Gifu Chochin are made mainly of Mino Washi paper and bamboo ribs, characterized by beautifully painted motifs such as autumn grasses and landscapes on thin, evenly textured paper. Highly skilled handwork techniques - 'Hari,' in which a bamboo rib is wound in a spiral to form the shade's frame; 'Surikomi,' in which patterns are stenciled onto the paper using stencil plates; and 'Etsuke,' in which designs are painted directly with a brush - together produce a shade that casts an elegant, soft glow when lit.
Techniques
Hari
A skilled technique in which thin bamboo ribs are wound in a spiral while washi paper is pasted on to form the frame of the lantern shade.
Surikomi
A technique in which patterns are stenciled onto washi paper using woodblocks or Ise-katagami stencils; some products use more than 100 stencils.
Etsuke
A long-inherited technique in which autumn grasses, landscapes, and other motifs are painted directly onto a plain lantern shade with a brush.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Decoration
Patterns are stenciled onto Mino Washi paper or silk using stencil plates, or designs are painted directly onto plain paper.
- 2
Making the lantern shade (Hari)
The decorated washi paper is carefully pasted, sheet by sheet, onto a frame made by winding bamboo ribs in a spiral.
- 3
Wood processing
The wooden parts, such as the stand or base for hanging or standing the lantern and the top and bottom rings, are shaped and processed.
- 4
Finishing
The lantern shade and wooden parts are assembled, and tassels and metal fittings are attached to complete the piece.
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Artisans & Workshops
株式会社オゼキ
Founded in 1891, this long-established Gifu Chochin maker has inherited the three traditional techniques of Hari, Surikomi, and Etsuke, and produces Gifu Chochin as a Traditional Craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Official site →How to Buy
- Gifu Chochin Cooperative Association
- A cooperative association of nine companies that manufacture Gifu Chochin. Through information from its member companies, visitors can purchase a variety of Gifu Chochin, including Bon lanterns and standing lanterns.Where to buy →PR