In addition to high-techonology industries, Shizuoka is known for its woodcrafts and other traditional crafts using natural materials such as bamboo. There is a historical reason for the presence of so many traditional industries in Shizuoka. Many famous artisans-including carpenters, sculptors, craftsmen who made architectural fittings, and lacquerware makers-were brought here to help construct Sumpu Castle, which Tokugawa Ieyasu built 1as his place of retirement; the magnificent lacquered Kunozan Toshogu(the precursor of the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko); and the Sengen Shrine commissioned by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, in 1634.
Suruga lacquerware
Finely crafted lacquerware that displays the wood of the zelkova tree to advantage. A special characteristic of the lacquer is the use of makié, exquisite designs made with gold or silver powder.
Suruga takesensui-zaiku
Handmade bamboo products whose history dates back to the seventeenth century.
Moriyama-yaki
Tasteful local ceramic ware known for its warmth and simple beauty; used for flower vases, kitchenware, and tea utensils.
Kakegawa kuzu-fu
Handwoven cloth made from arrowroot fibers, the material has a lovely sheen and is highly water resistant, as well as being light and sturdy. It is used to make bags, coin purses, footwear, and floor coverings. Said to date back to the Kamakura period(1185-1333), the craft has been a famous specialty since the early seventeenth century.
Suruga-zome
This type of dyed cloth is distinguished by its simple yet impressive beauty created by the contrast between indigo and white. It goes back to the mid-nineteenth century.
Suruga-nuri geta
Wooden clogs(geta) with a lacquer coating that began to be produced in the early Meiji period(1868-1912). Their widely acclaimed charm derives from the lacquer coating and makié ornamentation.
Other popular souvenir items
include traditional crafts made from Japanese paper(such as wasabi and Chiyogami), Suruga kites, papier-mâché masks, head-shaking tigers, daruma, plastic model toys, and souvenirs.
