100 Years of Mingei — Anatomica Kyoto Special Event
Muneyoshi Yanagi, who was affected by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, moved to Kyoto the following year.
Through his interactions with Kanjiro Kawai and Shoji Hamada, in December 1925—
A new value, "beauty born from the lives of ordinary people = Mingei (folk crafts)," is said to have originated here in Kyoto.
This year marks exactly 100 years since the term "Mingei" was coined.
ANATOMICA Kyoto will hold a special event, the last of the year, in homage to this milestone.
Teizo Soma, who laid the foundation of Mingei in Aomori
From before to after the war, Teizo Soma (1908–1989) led the Mingei movement in Aomori.
Strongly resonating with Muneyoshi Yanagi's philosophy, and at times acting with him, he established the Aomori Branch of the Japan Folk Crafts Association in 1942 with fellow native Shiko Munakata.
In 1953, he opened Asashobo, the predecessor of "Tsugaru Kogei-ten."
Soma particularly focused on handicrafts rooted in his local Aomori—
Yamabudo (wild grape vine) crafts and Akebi (chocolate vine) crafts.
He discovered the charm of the material, "which deepens in color and luster and increases in beauty with use," in what was originally used as a carrying basket for mountain work.
He guided and trained artisans, developed these into shopping baskets as household items, and spread them throughout the country.
Aomori's basket weaving culture continues to this day. Teizo Soma's great achievement was laying its foundation.
Aomori's renowned workshop that supported Soma—Miyamoto Kogei
One of the workshops that greatly supported Soma's activities was Miyamoto Kogei (established in 1949).
At this event, Miyamoto Kogei will be holding a special order event for
Akebi vine and Yamabudo vine baskets and handbags.
Mingei braided artifacts, whose beauty was discovered by Muneyoshi Yanagi
Braided artifacts refer to everyday items shaped by weaving tree bark and vines.
Muneyoshi Yanagi's conditions for Mingei braided artifacts were as follows:
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They possess sculptural beauty and strength.
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They are carefully and earnestly made.
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They embody regional characteristics rooted in local life in terms of material, form, and technique.
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They are made from carefully selected materials, considering ease of use and durability.
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They are practical and functional in their construction and form.
- They are as inexpensive as possible.
Miyamoto Kogei's baskets truly embody these conditions, representing "everyday Mingei."
Unique materials nurtured by the abundant nature of Aomori
The bark of Yamabudo (wild grape) vines and Akebi (chocolate) vines from Aomori Prefecture grow in the rich nature of Mt. Iwaki.
Yamabudo vine bark can only be harvested for about four weeks each year (late June to late July).
In recent years, it is said that the amount of bark has been decreasing due to environmental changes.
The same applies to Akebi vines; Mt. Iwaki used to be so abundant with Akebi that it was called "Akebi Mountain," but now it is only about 10% of its peak, making it a very precious natural gift.
Another charm is that as you use them, they transform into a deep amber color, allowing you to enjoy the "pleasure of nurturing."
A special opportunity to experience 100 years of Mingei
The "beauty of the common people" advocated by Muneyoshi Yanagi still brings warmth and value to our lives even after 100 years.
This order event is a valuable opportunity to convey the spirit of Mingei to the present day.
Please take this opportunity to experience genuine craftsmanship and feel its charm.
”Miyamoto Kogei ORDER EVENT"
2025.12/12(fri),12/13(sat),12/14(sun)
in ANATOMICA KYOTO
ANATOMICA KYOTO
Yamauchi