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The traditional artisanal crafts of Kakunodate that have been inherited to the generation of today are introduced.
The Kakunodate Kaba-Zaiku Densho-Kan was opened in 1978 to promote the traditional artisanal crafts of Kakunodate, kaba-zaiku (cherry bark work), and as a base for sightseeing. The building was built from an image of a Samurai's residence, there are exhibitions and a selling facility of cherry bark works, and demonstrations of making or experiencing events of making the crafts are sometimes held.
Cherry bark works are artisanal crafts using skins of mountain cherry which has an excellent moisture proof and is an antibacterial material to make a canister for tea leaf, a small chest of drawer, and a tray for food. Everyone in Japan might have seen a beautiful canister designed by tree skin in their parents’ or grandparents' house. Skins of mountain cherries are called “Sakura-kaba” in Kakunodate, that’s the reason why cherry bark works made of mountain cherries are called “kaba-zaiku”(there are various theories) in modern Japanese.
Cherry bark works have a long history in Kakunodate, lower-ranking samurai made various cherry bark works, such as Inro (a pillbox in an old time), a case for glasses, and a Netsuke (a small designed attachment connecting Inro to belt of Kimono) on their side job. In the era of the Showa, Soetsu Yanagi known as the father of folk craft opened his workshop for his excellent pupils, with which the traditional techniques are inherited to recent sophisticated cherry bark works.
The uniquely constructed building comprises a traditional straw-thatched roof and walls made of western style bricks.
The craftsman is performing kaba-zaiku.
Yoroi (helmets used in old times) of the Satake family who ruled this area are exhibited in the Buke (Samurai) document exhibition room.
The gorgeous gate at the entrance. Dropping cherry-blossoms are in full bloom in Spring.
Variety items of kaba-zaiku which are traditional artisanal crafts of Kakunodate line up as goods for souvenirs.
