Lighting Up Tokyo: Edo Hand-Painted Lanterns

Modern Tokyo is a vast cosmopolitan metropolis, with bustling commercial and entertainment districts, a neon-lit night cityscape and impressive skyline.

However, many may not associate Tokyo – formerly known as Edo – with crafts and traditions passed down from generation to generation. This status as a city of crafts emerged during the period of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868, also known as the Edo period) when many skilled artisans and craftspeople started to work in Edo having moved from the then Imperial capital, Kyoto. The Edo period was a time of peace creating an environment in which craftspeople could thrive. The population of the city and the wealth of the townspeople grew, providing a constant demand for beautiful, skillfully crafted objects.

Today, many of these crafts ranging from cut glassware to textiles, music instruments and brushes, are listed among the 42 ‘Traditional Crafts of Tokyo’ officially recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This talk featuring the fourth-generation lantern painter Murata Kenichirō introduces Tokyo crafts, with a particular focus on the history, applications and aesthetics of Edo Tegaki Chōchin (Edo hand-painted paper lanterns).

First becoming popular in the 17th century, Edo hand-painted lanterns continue to lighten the dark and create an intimate or festive atmosphere. Made with bamboo ribbing covered with washi (lit. ‘Japanese paper’), the lanterns are often decorated with family crests (kamon) and characters written in a distinctive lettering style. Usually seen at shrines and temples, they are also used by restaurants and izakaya bars to attract customers and provide an element of interior design.

The Murata family continues to cultivate the tradition of lantern painting from the tiny Namidabashi Oshimaya shop, tucked in a small alley in the eastern part of Tokyo, not far away from Sensōji temple, famous for its giant paper lantern hanging from the iconic Kaminari-mon.

This event starts with a brief presentation on Tokyo by a representative from the Tokyo Visitor and Convention Bureau. The talk by Murata Kenichirō is then followed by an expert demonstration of the process of lantern painting.

About the speaker

Murata Kenichirō

Born in Tokyo in 1987, Murata Kenichirō trained under his father, Murata Shūichi and has been working at the Oshimaya Chōchin Shop in Namidabashi for 17 years. He is a member of Tokyo Chōchin Association and a member of Arakawa Ward Traditional Crafts Preservation Society. Murata Kenichirō hopes to preserve and pass the tradition of Edo hand-painted lanterns to future generations. While continuing to carry on the tradition and techniques, he searches for new applications for hand-painted lanterns. He also offers hands-on workshops to spark interest and foster appreciation for Edo craftsmanship.

Namidabashi Oshimaya Chōchin Shop
Namidabashi Oshimaya Chōchin Shop was founded in 1913. Third generation lantern painter Murata Shūichi together with his son, fourth generation craftsman Murata Kenichirō, continue to create hand-painted lanterns for festivals, temples and shrines as well as restaurants. They also produce lanterns used as props on the stage for the kabuki theatre.

This event is held as part of the which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.

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Image: Courtesy of Murata Kenichirō

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