Traditional Crafts Reborn as Contemporary Art Pieces

With a goal of "design that lasts 100 years," DENTO-HOUSE is a project aiming to connect Japan's traditional crafts through the power of graphic design.

Participating designers include top-tier graphic artists active in Japan, such as Katsumi Asaba, Masayoshi Nakajo, Tsuguya Inoue, Kazunari Hattori, and Sachio Nakamura. They visit the production sites themselves to rediscover the charm of traditional crafts and create designs from their unique perspectives. Craftsmen then bring together their knowledge and skills to complete these works, which are presented as art pieces.


The first limited-time shop in Japan, opening now, will feature a lineup of past collections alongside new works. The selection ranges from accessible items like newly reimagined Kokeshi dolls and lacquerware tableware to luxurious tiered boxes finished with gold leaf and impressive large folding screens.

Among the Kokeshi dolls, there are many innovative designs, including a cute Kokeshi inspired by Brancusi's "The Kiss" by Katsumi Asaba, a playful "Floating Kokeshi" by Sachio Nakamura, and "Lemon on the Head / Blue" designed by Kazunari Hattori.


Additionally, a limited edition of 100 signed Edo woodblock prints featuring Sharaku, re-designed by Katsumi Asaba, will be available for sale.

DENTO-HOUSE aims to preserve ancient techniques while simultaneously adding new transformations to traditional crafts and passing them on to the future. With an exhibition planned for Paris next year in February, their future developments are certainly worth watching.