OUR STORY
Artisan & Artist, established in Tokyo in 1991, embodies the fusion of artisanal expertise and artistic sensitivity, setting a global standard for Japanese craftsmanship.
Our commitment to producing high-quality products is evident in every aspect, from meticulous design to selecting materials and production processes. We collaborate with exceptionally skilled artisans whose experience and craftsmanship are integral to our identity.
Our products, known for their functionality, craftsmanship, and quality, become increasingly indispensable with each use, reflecting our dedication to excellence in every detail.
History
Our product line has grown to include makeup pouches, everyday bags, camera bags, and accessories. A consistent thread of unwavering quality runs through every item we create. Each product is thoughtfully designed, made with superior materials, and handcrafted by expert artisans, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship in every piece.
Our Unique Silk
Cord Straps
Our gradation silk cord strap stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Achieving the delicate color gradation requires advanced techniques from experienced artisans. This involves precise dyeing of each silk thread in varying color ratios before weaving.
Creating a camera strap with symmetrical gradation patterns posed a significant challenge, especially when hanging from the neck. However, we crafted this unique item after years of dedication and experimentation.
We pioneered encasing a silk core string within the traditional Hira-Karagumi weave, known for its durability and density. The result is a strap with enhanced strength, an oval cross-section, and a comfortable, gentle feel around the neck, ensuring a stress-free user experience.
Our History
Launch of Professional Makeup Tools
We introduced makeup boxes and brushes focusing on functionality and practicality for professionals like makeup artists and stylists. Their ease of use and sharp design won over many professionals, establishing our reputation for quality tools.
Expanding to the Consumer Market with Cosmetic Pouches
Our cosmetic pouches, designed to bring professional sensibilities to a broader audience, gained popularity after being featured in Loft, Shibuya, Tokyo. This exposure led to our expansion into major domestic department stores.
Innovations in Women's Bags and Global Expansion
Women's Bags (KG Series): We launched the KG Series, known for its practical design, like the self-standing opening and stylish shirring pockets, gaining enduring popularity.
Innovations in Women's Bags and Global Expansion
Global Market Entry: We began selling our products overseas, primarily in major department stores and select shops. Highlights included showcasing at the New York Trade Show and promoting Japanese craftsmanship globally.
Redefining Camera and Makeup Bags
Camera Bags (ACAM Series): Our camera bags debuted, featuring vibrant colors and prioritizing design, quality, and functionality, diversifying camera-related products.
Redefining Camera and Makeup Bags
Makeup Pouch Reinvention (Slope Shape Pouch): The Slope Shape Pouch, with its innovative diagonal cut, offered superior storage in a compact shape, revolutionizing makeup organization.
Traditional Craft Meets Camera Accessories
We introduced camera straps made with Kumihimo, a traditional craft from Hiroshima's Kumano region. Crafted by Kyoto artisans, these silk straps combined durability and artistry, appealing to artists.
Showcasing at Photokina
We started participating regularly in Photokina, the world's largest photo equipment exhibition in Cologne, Germany, presenting our camera bags and accessories to a global audience.
Introducing the Easy Slider Camera Strap
The Easy Slider camera strap, featuring an innovative, fingertip-adjustable design, earned a new design patent. It quickly became essential for photographers to capture fleeting moments.
Launch of Collaboration Collections
Our first collaboration series featured Disney characters, creating significant buzz and selling out quickly. This success led to further collaborations with creators, artists, and characters, widening our user base.
Celebrating 30 Years of Craftsmanship
On our 30th anniversary, we were recognized globally for our dedication to handcrafted excellence. The limited leather bag, Executive Bag, developed for this milestone, sold out rapidly in North America and Europe.
We remain more committed than ever to sharing the beauty of Japanese design and craftsmanship while prioritizing functionality, innovation, and quality in our products.