Studio carrying the tradition of Kutami tanned paper fans
Kutami shibu-uchiwa (tanned paper fans) are specialty products of Kamoto district. They are made of Japanese paper tanned with persimmon juice. Persimmon tannin has been used for making fans since old times as it makes them durable and hard-wearing and repels insects. The place name Kutami literally means "People come" and is associated with good luck. Therefore, the Kutami fans are popular as they are regarded as an object bringing good business. The fan-making craft started in Kutami in 1600, when a travelling priest from Marugame of Shikoku gave a fan to local residents as a sign of gratitude for their hospitality. Established in 1889, Kurikawa shoten has been run for four generations of the family by now and is one of the studios still making tanned paper fans by traditional Kutami techniques. Kutami used to be known as one of the three major production centers of fans beside Kyoto and Marugame but only a few fan-making studios remain in town today.
- Address
- 〒861-0331
1648 Kamotomachi-Kutami, Yamaga City
- Telephone
- 0968-34-2055
- Access
- Business hours
- 9:00〜17:30
- Regular holiday
- Sundays and public holidays
- Phone name
- Commerce and Tourism Division
