National Crafts Museum, National craft museum in Kanazawa, Japan
The National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa houses more than 4,000 artworks spanning ceramics, glass, lacquerware, woodwork, textiles, metalwork, and graphic design across a restored historic building. The collections are displayed in several interconnected spaces that offer a comprehensive view of Japanese craft techniques.
The museum occupies two relocated Meiji-era military buildings: the former Army 9th Division headquarters built in 1898 and the former Army Kanazawa Officers Club from 1909. Both structures were moved to this site and repurposed to house the craft collections.
The museum focuses on modern and contemporary craft practices, displaying both traditional methods and current design directions through rotating exhibitions. You can observe how Japanese handcraftsmanship remains active and evolves with time.
The museum is accessible by public transportation from Kanazawa Station and operates on a regular daily schedule with flexible visiting hours. The galleries are easy to navigate on foot with clear signage throughout.
The museum features a reconstructed workshop of legendary lacquer artist Matsuda Gonroku complete with original tools and materials that reveal his creative process. This offers a rare glimpse into the working methods of traditional craft masters.
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