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GLOSSARY
Japanese applied arts and crafts
In the English language and, by inference, in Western thought, craft is a result of skill and art is a result of a higher level of inspiration. In Japan, however, it is difficult to draw a clear distinction between craft and art. Although there are examples of humble craftworks - such as folk toymaking, homespun weaving and so on -many activities which would be described as crafts elsewhere have been raised to the level of art;inspiration is an important factor in the making even of an iron kettle or a pottery bowl for tea.The examples included here range from works of ancient origin to the 16th and 17th centuries. Those who made the early pieces are unknown, but the later pieces were made by Japan's most illustrious artists, some of whom,Iike Korin and Koetsu, worked in several media; painting, pottery decoration, Iacquerwork and calligraphy. Even today, Japan has many craftsmen/artists and the greatest of them are called "Intangible Cultural Properties:" (See A-2-1 National Treasures of Japan).