庵治石細工

香川県の御影石彫刻。「石のダイヤモンド」と呼ばれる。

Aji Stone Craft, a nationally designated traditional craft from Kagawa, Shikoku, embodies centuries of Japanese artisanal excellence. Its rich history dates back over a thousand years, with evidence found in local temples and stone lanterns, indicating a deep-rooted tradition in the region that has shaped its cultural landscape. The core of this craft is Aji granite, a remarkably hard and durable igneous rock unique to the Aji region. Renowned for its fine grain and subtle, almost diamond-like sparkle when polished, Aji granite is exceptionally resistant to weathering and retains its beauty for generations, making it a highly sought-after material for enduring creations. Artisans employ meticulous hand carving techniques, transforming raw blocks into intricate sculptures, garden elements, and everyday items. The process demands immense skill and patience, as craftsmen painstakingly shape the stubborn granite with precision tools. Following carving, the stone undergoes rigorous polishing, a technique that brings out the granite's inherent luster and distinctive "sesame salt" pattern, enhancing its unique aesthetic. Aji Stone Craft holds profound cultural significance, often utilized in spiritual contexts for Buddhist statues, gravestones, and torii gates, as well as in traditional Japanese gardens as lanterns and water basins. It represents longevity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. What truly distinguishes Aji Stone Craft is the unparalleled combination of the rare Aji granite's durability and subtle beauty with the master artisans' hereditary skills. Each piece is a testament to the enduring human touch, reflecting a harmony between material and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations, making it a highly prized art form from Kagawa, Shikoku.