Arimatsu and Narumi Dye The tie-dyed fabric technique came from the Bungo region of Kyushu, whose craftsmen were called to help in the construction of Nagoya Castle in the 17th century. These craftsmen were treated generously by the Owari clan and settled in the Arimatsu and Narumi regions of Nagoya. In the tie-dyed fabric technique, only the base fabric is dyed leaving the tied spots in white. The process is specialized; it takes from half a year to an entire year to dye a cloth.

Straps for Geta Clogs The making of these specially-designed cotton straps for wooden clogs began when the lord of the Owari clan devised his own unique pattern and ordered it to be woven by a local weaver. The technique has developed over the generations. With the discovery of cotton velvet, the strap became stronger and easier on the feet.

Shippo (Enamelware) The enamelware technique was introduced to Japan from Holland around the end of the Yedo period and gradually took root. The beautiful color-patterns look transparent and are often used on pottery.

Japanese Candles Wax taken from a wax tree is painted around a rope made of grass and washi (Japanese paper) time and again. If you cut the candle in half you see what looks like the annual rings of a tree. Unlike its Western counterpart, the Japanese candle produces less smoke and does not blow out so easily. The candle manufacture uses the shippo (enamelware) technique, often used in drawing the beautiful color patterns on pottery. The technique was introduced from Holland during the Yedo period. The technique gradually took root in Nagoya and evolved there. The candle is painted with beautiful bright-colored patterns and seems transparent.

Nagoya Yuzen This silk dyeing technique was introduced by the craftsmen of Kyoto during the time of the 7th generation Owari clan warloard, Tokugawa Muneharu. At first the design was extravagant and the color bright, but it gradually became simple and light-colored.

Nagoya Sekku Ningyo (Festival Dolls) According to the "Meifu Annual Festival Report," written around the end of the Yedo period, dolls markets were being held all over Japan. It is thought that the craftsmen in Nagoya were also competing to make elegant and colorful dolls. Even with the concentration of skilled craftsmen in Tokyo during the Meiji period, Nagoya continued to emply them enabling it to rank among the top producers of festival dolls in Japan.