In this blog I will give a quick overview of the development of Kamakura Bori in the different periods of Japan history.
The origin of Kamakura Bori starts in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) when the Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo establishe his military government in Kamakura on 1192. Many fine articles were imported from the culture of the China Song Dynasty, including “Urushi” lacquerware. Zen Buddhism flourished and with the building of the temples altar fittings and all other religious paraphernalia were needed. Artisans in Kamakura, in trying to imitate the Chinese “Tsuichi” lacquerware (first lacquer and then carving), developed a similar but unique technique called Kamakurai Bori (first carving and then lacquer). The picture shows a table “Maezukue” from the Kenchoji in Kamakura.
In the Muromachi Period (1338-1573) many more artistic masterpieces were created, like large incense containers and ink stone cases (see the left picture with a design of the Shishi dancing animal from the Kamakura Treasure Museum). The words “Kamakura mono” (things made in Kamakura), appeared for the first time in a diary. which perhaps for the first time described this beautiful art form.
During the Edo Period (1603-1867), the tea ceremony reached its highest point in popularity among the Japanese aristocracy and along with that, the need for all the utensils. Kamakura Bori was highly valued. The picture shows a tobacco tray from the Kamakura Treasure Museum.
During the Meiji Period (1868-1911) and Taisho Period (1912-1926) the government promoted Shinto beliefs, a religion devoted to nature worship; a new found liberalism. Many Buddhist icons and temples were destroyed and many traditional craftsmen lost their jobs. But as told in the blog of the historical Gotoh family, they were able to adapt their ancient craft to the production of more practical, daily use and decorative items and their addition of a new big change as the “Hikuchi nuri” process to the Kamakuri Bori art. (See also the blog of the interview of the Gotoh family).
In the Shouwa Period (1926-1989) and until now people have shown appreciation for things traditional, practical and beautiful, and in an era of mass produced items, Kamakura Bori stands out as a functional and esthetically pleasing alternative to the generic products of today.
In 1961, the Kamakura Masters Committee was established and at present consists of twenty-one groups and some 6000 members. In 1979, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated the City of Kamakura as a traditional Handicraft Industrial Zone.
