L. G. Minasean

A book that looks at over 35 artisan ateliers in the Tokyo downtown or "shitamachi" district in East Tokyo; the traditional commoner and merchant district of the Edo era. The book will feature artisans working out of small studios across downtown, creating exquisite items by hand. This is a rare glimpse into these studios, from screen makers, kimono dyers, washi paper makers to glass blowers. While many travelers will visit the Asakusa area to marvel at Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, most visitors are unaware of the rich culture that is present beyond the tourist areas; in the back alleys, residential districts, and artisan studios. The region has retained many of the traditions of the Edo era, and the book will also look at aspects of urbanism such as bathhouses, shotengai shopping streets and nagaya architecture to look at the interconnectivity of all aspects of "old Tokyo" life. This book will delve into the craftsmen of the "traditional end" of Tokyo, in an accessible, lavish tome. With hundreds of photos, the book is a coffee-table book style visual tour into downtown artisan life, with a focus on places that a casual tourist can also visit as well. Interviews with the craftsmen also provides insight into the philosophy of the Japanese artisan.

L. G. Minasean

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