CRAFTING MEMORIES

One of the joys of travel is bringing a memento of the destination home with you. For those who yearn to infuse their spaces with a touch of Japan, the recently launched online platform POJ Studio offers a selection of original, high-quality lifestyle goods made by Japanese artisans. POJ Studio, which stands for Pieces of Japan, also publishes articles and photo shoots giving a look into the lives of Japanese artisans. “With everything we do, we hope to give back to the artisan community for it to continue on to the next generation, while also collaborating with them to advise where to apply their techniques to create products that fit the needs of the modern world,” says co-founder Tina Koyama. POJ Studio also offers packages that allow you to try making crafts at home. Its Kintsugi Kit includes tools such as Japanese lacquer—made in collaboration with a fourth-generation urushi lacquer producer—and gold dust, as well as an online class, so that you can learn a 400-year-old technique of repairing lacquer in the comfort of your home. piecesofjapan.com