How to Collect Japanese Folk Art

Japanese folk art didn't exist as a recognized "art" until 1926. At that point, a change occurred: there was a desire to salvage and protect everyday items. Often called Mingei, Japanese folk art includes items crafted by hand, usually before the birth of industry. Items are common, utilitarian, regional and often anonymous. Folk art can include, but is not limited to, scrolls, textiles, pottery, glass, dolls and wood work.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get inspired by visiting museums that have Japanese and other folk art collections. There are several in the U.S., and the Mingeikan museum in Japan has a large collection.

2. Do your homework by reading up on Japanese folk art. There are several books available. Try "The Unknown Craftsman" by Yanagi Soetsu, the founder of the Mingeikan museum in Japan. You could also check out "Tireless Beauty: Traditional Japanese Folk Art" by Edward de Waal.

3. Focus your collection to one type of folk art or trust your instincts. Choose pieces that speak to you, things you like. Don't worry too much about having a theme within your collection unless that's extremely important to you.

4. Shop around. Search on the Internet to find pieces for sale. At Trocadero, you can find several folk art pieces for sale. Of course, eBay also has several items for sale.

5. Try art galleries. Some galleries do carry folk art pieces and some specialize in Japanese folk art. Scope out the Xanadu Gallery online.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the piece is authentic and not a fake. Only purchase folk art from reputable places, or someone who can offer some kind of verification that it is in fact the real deal.

Resources

• The Xanadu Gallery website