Japanese craft

Craft (工芸^?, kōgei, lit. engineered art) in Japan has a long tradition and history. Included are handicraft by an individual or a group, and a craft is work produced by independent studio artists, working with traditional craft materials and/or processes.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, the crafts (工芸技術^?, Kōgei Gijutsu) are divided into eight categories: pottery (陶芸^?, tōgei), textiles, lacquerware, metalworking, dollmaking, woodworking, papermaking, and other. The categories are subdivided into a number of more specific subcategories. The Japan Kōgei Association concurs with these definitions. The many variations are officially recognized and protected by the government. Those working in crafts are eligible for recognition either individually (Individual Certification) or as part of a group (Preservation Group Certification) into the list of Living National Treasures of Japan (crafts). Some crafts enjoy status as meibutsu, or regional specialties.

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