Calligraphy values the smooth flow of brushstrokes following the predetermined writing order of kanji characters without stopping the brush midway. While letters used for chochin lanterns may appear to be a boldface version of the regular "kaisho" block style of Japanese calligraphy, the letters are actually not written in this way.
Ohshimaya-Onda specializes in drawing letters and traditional "kamon" family crests onto washi paper while it is already stretched out on the bamboo frame in its lantern form.Ĭhochin letters are part of the group of "Edo letters," which also includes letters that appeared on signs and posters used in rakugo comic storytelling theaters, kabuki plays, and sumo wrestling. Sixth-generation head Osamu Onda, 43, demonstrated drawing and painting unique "chochin letters" onto the paper lanterns. The business only draws the letters onto lanterns that are already made, and doesn't make the body of the paper lanterns themselves. Ohshimaya-Onda, near Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist spots, is a hand-drawn chochin lantern shop which has been in business for nearly 170 years. The craftsman makes sure to thoroughly paint in the areas that are bumpy due to the bamboo framework. Osamu Onda is seen painting characters based on a sketched outline on washi paper stretched over a framework of thin bamboo strips in Tokyo's Taito Ward on May 26, 2021. This was before paper lanterns became widespread during the Edo period. This form - unique to Japanese lanterns - was developed during the Azuchi-Momoyama period spanning from the late 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century. Chochin lanterns are convenient to use as they can be stretched and contracted like an accordion or slinky toy. The lantern apparently has roots in a basket-like object created during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), which was covered with paper and had a handle. The body of chochin lanterns, called "hibukuro" (literally means "flame bag"), consists of washi paper attached to a rounded framework of bamboo hoops fastened with string, with wooden rings used for the upper and lower ends of the lantern. In particular, "chochin" are handy paper lanterns that can be folded compactly and became widely used during the Edo period. "Andon" and "chochin" are traditional lighting enclosed with Japanese "washi" paper ensuring that the flames from candles or oil containers will not go out. Osamu Onda is seen holding a hand-drawn chochin lantern in Tokyo's Taito Ward on May 26, 2021.