Notes on Japanese Craft
Guides to the traditions behind our collection — noren weaving, Kutani porcelain, incense culture and the quiet objects of Japanese daily life. Written by our curation team in Osaka.
How to Use a Noren Curtain Instead of a Door
Yes, a noren can replace an interior door. Learn hanging methods, standard sizes, and styling ideas for small apartments, with linen noren made in Japan.
What Is a Noren? The Japanese Doorway Curtain, Explained
What a noren is, where it comes from, and how to hang a Japanese doorway curtain at home — sizes, fabrics, and care, explained by NeoiAtelier in Osaka.
A Collector's Guide to Kutani Ware Incense Burners (Koro)
What a koro is, why Kutani porcelain matters, and how to choose and use a Japanese incense burner — a collector's guide from NeoiAtelier, Osaka.
Uchiwa and Sensu: Japan's Two Traditional Hand Fans
The difference between uchiwa (rigid) and sensu (folding) Japanese fans, their history, and how to display them as wall art — by NeoiAtelier, Osaka.
What Is a Koro? 15 Things to Know About Japanese Incense Burners
What a koro is, how to use one with ash, cones or sticks, what Kutani koro cost, and how to choose your first Japanese incense burner — answered by NeoiAtelier.
What Is Kutani Ware? A Guide to Japan's 360-Year-Old Painted Porcelain
The history, styles and five colors (gosai) of Kutani ware porcelain from Ishikawa, Japan — and how to recognize Ko-Kutani, Yoshidaya and Mokubei styles.
Best Japanese Gifts 2026: 18 Authentic Artisan Pieces (Koro, Noren & More)
The 18 best Japanese gifts of 2026, all genuinely made in Japan: Kutani koro incense burners, handwoven linen noren, uchiwa fans and more, from $66 to $550.