How to decorate your home with traditional Japanese art

Japan’s strong culture of art and craftsmanship means it is the perfect place to find a wide variety of artworks and intricate decorative pieces.

Bring a sophisticated and cultured twist into your home by adding some pieces from Japanese culture you can find throughout your trip.

Ready to get decorating? Here are some art and craft works you need for your space!

Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e is a famous artform and style passed on throughout Japanese heritage, coming as both woodblock or painted pieces.

The distinct style originated in the Edo period, often with geisha, sumo wrestlers, or kabuki actors as the main subjects of the works.

The style gained popularity internationally after the famous piece by Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa in 1831.

Ukiyo-e is a very prominent symbol of Japanese art, and the style is popular on tableware, postcards, paintings, and more.

It is a terrific way to bring style, luxury, and culture into any home.

The famous ukiyo-e artwork, ‘The Great Wave Off Kanagawa’ by Katsushika Hokusai

Oko

Japanese oko incense is amongst some of the most popular in the world, with it being used in all shrines and temples as well as in stores, homes, and even offices.

Oko can come in different forms, from standard sticks to specialised shapes such as pyramids or even flowers.

The oko is created by condensing dried aromatic ingredients into shape. Different ingredients and combinations create varying smells, and can be mixed-and-matched to suit seasons, moods, or personal preferences.

They are often paired with koro, incense burners that are also decorative, from small dishes to unique displays.

Not only is this a way to bring tranquil aromas to your home, but they are also a great way to decorate each space.

Kakejiku

Kakejiku are hanging scrolls of varying sizes that display Japanese calligraphy or paintings.

They often depict national landscapes, Buddhist symbols, or poetry and come with colored backgrounds.

They can be found in stores throughout Japan, and many travellers and locals alike use them as wall decoration for their homes.

Kabin

For lovers of flowers, kabin are vases that are traditionally painted with national floral patterns or spiritual iconography.

Kabin come in an array of shapes, ranging from only a few inches tall to bigger statement pieces.

Whether you decide to put a nice bouquet inside or simply want a centrepiece for the table, these intricate vases are a perfect way to add a statement to any room.

Nihonto

Nihonto are iconic Japanese swords made by specific, traditional forging processes and techniques.

These swords are most notably carried and used by samurai warriors, with many stores in the country now selling replicas with stands to be mounted on walls or displayed on tables.

They are a great and fun way to decorate the space whilst paying homage to Japanese heritage and history.

Shuriken

Following the theme of the nihonto sword, shuriken are throwing stars used by ninjas to distract enemies traditionally.

Now, many travellers buy them as souvenirs and often even learn how to throw them correctly.

Similar to nihonto, they can be mounted on walls as display pieces.

Chochin

Chochin are collapsible bamboo lanterns that can be lit to provide a warm glow, and are most commonly used during festivals in Japan.

You can find chochin with designs or calligraphy on them, with some stores even offering customisable lanterns for customers.

Takezaiku

These craftworks are made of woven bamboo strips to create items such as vases and baskets.

Takezaiku is an intricate artform and skill that has been prevalent throughout Japanese history, being used to make farming and daily tools.

Now, they are also used to produce decorative pieces for the home.

Furin

Furin are traditional windchimes that culturally symbolise summer and ward off evil spirits from the home.

The chimes create a beautiful melody of sounds when swayed by the wind and are also often attached with decorative slips.

It is said that the sound of furin brings a feeling of calm coolness, and helps to bring down the body’s temperature.

Shokuhin samples

If you’ve eaten at a Japanese restaurant, you may have seen models of food in display cabinets or windows at the front of the building.

Shikuhin samples are detailed replicas of dishes made of wax or resin.

Travellers can attend workshops to create their own shokuhin of their favorite dishes and take them home as a fun memory.

They are a great way to display your favorite yummy foods and add a pop to your room!

Curious to see more?

At TokudAw, we want you to explore and connect with Japanese culture with comfort and ease. Book with us to help plan your dream trip and take the stress of transport away with our in-house private transit services.