textile dyeing techniques, and so on. Superlatives in the description of a number of these crafts are not simply used and bragging or cheap PR copy are avoided, so that indeed they may have been equaled and remain unsurpassed elsewhere

Among the many different types of Japanese handcrafts are those that formerly were important local industries protected and promoted by the feudal lords. The crafts represented in this site are recognized by the government Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). These crafts vary greatly in size and organization and do not represent all the crafts or craft communities in Japan by any means. Most of these craft industries are structured around a cooperative union or association (or sometimes more than one); not all of the industries utilize handwork exclusively (there is limited mechanization); and not all are organized in the same manner. The towns of Wajima ( Wajima Lacquer Ware ) and Mashiko ( Mashiko Ware ) have many companies, artisans, and artists working independently, making a very wide variety of things in many styles, types, and modes--everything from inexpensive trinkets to major art pieces. Koishiwara Ware , in contrast, has a small number of producers, making a "folk pottery" of set style and limited range of type