Nara Ancient Souvenirs: Kaki no Ha Zushi, Traditional Nara Fude Brushes & Akahada Pottery

Originating deep in the misty mountains of Yoshino, far from the sea, *Kaki no Ha Zushi* (persimmon-leaf-wrapped sushi) has been preserved as a culinary treasure of Nara since the Edo period. Hand-pressed mounds of seasoned sushi rice topped with salt-cured mackerel (*Saba*) or rich salmon are individually swaddled in fresh astringent persimmon leaves. Natural tannins in the leaves impart natural antiseptic preservation while infusing the glossy rice with a delicate herbal fragrance, traditionally presented in handsome cedarwood presentation boxes. As the birthplace of Japanese literacy and scholarly arts, Nara preserves over 1,200 years of brushmaking mastery through *Nara Fude*. Introduced in 806 AD by the revered Buddhist monk Kukai upon returning from Chang’an, China, Nara brushes are crafted using the ancient *Nerimaze* blending method. Master artisans painstakingly sort hairs from mountain goats, badgers, martens, and deer with straw ash, achieving an exceptionally responsive tip with flawless capillary ink retention prized by calligraphers nationwide. Completing Nara’s artisanal triad is *Akahada-yaki* pottery, cultivated since the late 16th century under the patronage of feudal lord Toyotomi Hidenaga. Celebrated as one of the seven favored kilns of tea master Kobori Enshu, Akahada-ware features a milky iron-rich crackle glaze adorned with whimsical, naive *Nara-e* folk motifs portraying Shinto deer and courtly figures in charming miniature silhouettes.