Introduction
Yame lanterns, traditionally crafted in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, are renowned for their unique manufacturing methods and exquisite designs, gaining acclaim both in Japan and internationally.
Features of Yame Lanterns
1. Manufacturing Technique: Yame lanterns use a ‘single spiral style’ bamboo frame, spiraled along the lantern mold, a technique considered the origin of modern Bon lanterns.
2. Design: They feature beautifully colored paintings of flowers, birds, and foliage on the ‘hibukuro’ (light bag), enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
3. Materials: Thin ‘Yame handmade washi paper’ and silk are used, creating a translucent ‘cooling lantern,’ widely acclaimed for its beauty. Bamboo, washi, lacquer, and wood from the local area are also used in their production.
4. Varieties: Primarily used as ‘Bon lanterns’ for ancestral worship during Obon, they come in about 3,000 types, including the cylindrical ‘Sumiyoshi’ and the hanging ‘Gotenmaru’.
Cultural Importance
Yame lanterns reflect the local traditional skills and culture, evolving along with the region’s history. Each lantern carries its own handcrafted warmth and unique story.
Conclusion
Yame lanterns, with their superior craftsmanship and beauty, stand as a representative of Japan’s lantern culture.