Traditional Crafts of Yamaguchi Prefecture

3 crafts designated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Stationery & Writing
Akama Inkstone
赤間硯

Akama inkstones from Shimonoseki are carved from rare red stone prized for its smooth, ink-grinding surface. Cherished by calligraphers for over 1,000 years.

Ceramics
Hagi Ware
萩焼

Celebrated tea ceremony pottery from Hagi in Yamaguchi, prized for its soft pastel glazes and subtly crackled surfaces. Over time, tea stains seep into the cracks to create unique, aging beauty — a quality called 'Hagi's seven transformations'.

Lacquerware
Ouchi Lacquerware
大内塗

Ouchi lacquerware from Yamaguchi features bold red and black designs inspired by the Ouchi clan's heraldic motifs. Trays, dishes, and decorative dolls showcase its distinctive elegance.