"The Hands of Craftsmen" is a collection of interviews with 16 craftsmen by editor Mayuko Yamazaki.
This book is about the skills and lifestyles of artisans active in various fields, including glass pen makers, barrel makers, potters, and Japanese tea planters.
The book also has 12 pages about the Okunugi couple, describing the skills and craftsmanship they have cultivated over the years.
The book begins with a look at the history of Japanese umbrellas from the late Edo period, and then goes on to document the life of the Okunugi couple, who have been making umbrellas for 70 years since the early Showa period.
It describes how what was previously a job people continued doing to make a living transformed into traditional culture, making it a very interesting read.
"The Hands of a Craftsman"
Author: Mayuko Yamazaki Price: 1,600 yen (excluding tax)
