"Japanese Craft Techniques and Beauty"

In order to help preserve Japan's cultural heritage, the national government has been designating traditional intangible techniques of crafts and performing arts as Important Intangible Cultural Properties since 1955. Skilled artisans of such designated intangible techniques are often called Living National Treasures.

This show offers a rare opportunity to see around 180 craft works by Living National Treasures. Materials, tools and examples of unfinished pieces will also be on display to provide an understanding of how such masterpieces are created.

The works exhibited include ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, metalwork, woodwork, Japanese dolls and Japanese washi paper; till Jan. 23.

Iwami Art Museum; (0856) 31-1860; 5-15 Ariake-cho, Masuda-shi, Shimane; 15-min. walk from Masuda Station, JR Sanin Honsen Line. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Tues., Dec. 28-Jan. 1; open Jan. 3. www.grandtoit.jp/museum.