Regarding “chochin” Japan paper lantern, famous producing area are Gifu and Yame.
The chochins made in only those two city are registered as Traditional Crafts of Japan by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The 3 characteristics of Yame chochin are based on traditional craft approval.
1.Single sipral wire frameworks method, called “Ichijo rasen shiki”
2.Rapid drawing, called “Hayagaki”
3.Using bamboo wire
Please refer more information to the below web site.
kougeijapan
kougeihin.jp
Fukuoka pref. informing web site
1.Single spiral wire framework method, called “Ichijo rasen shiki” (一条らせん式）
Before 1850 Edo era, craftsmen make one ring by one wire and threads combinate a ring and other rings. This method is called “Ippongake”(一本掛け)
After that, the single spiral wire frameworks method which was originated by a craftsman in Yame.
This method got to make production easy and production ability increase , and became popular all over Japan in Edo era.
Now a day almost Japanese chochin are made by this method originated in Yame.
It is not too much to say that Yame is contemporary chochin birth place.
How to make the chochin wire framework, please watch Youtube which we uploaded.
2.Rapid drawing, called “Hayagaki”
The craftsmen paint the follower directly onto chochin without no draft and they can draw very fast.
Their special technique is called “Hayagaki”, meaning “consecutive paint method without no changing the paint brush.”