A Japanese Potpourri New links are always appearing on the Web. Over one hundred and fifty images found here detail the beauty inherent in more than a dozen traditional crafts , everything from fine lacquer trays to carpenter's tools and utensils used in the tea ceremony. Together the two sites provide a wonderful overview of traditional craft specialities that have survived into the modern era.
Ceramics represents still another area of particular interest in Japan.
A place to begin your exploration is the site illustrating Kutani Pottery . A second site featuring photographs of Shigaraki style pottery from the Lake Biwa area provides a nice contrast. Many outside Japan first become aware of its cultural richness through exposure to flower arranging or the martial arts. Both of these are representative of the seriousness with which many Japanese pursue the arts and various physical activities. This site, bny the way, is but a small portion of a very large and informative web presence maintained by the city of Kanazawa .