Tour & Workshop of Japanese Traditional Crafts

─ Tour & Workshops ─

Nanamagari Craftsmens Workshop Tour
－ Artistic Immersion Experiences－

We will take you to the artisans’ workshops for a first-hand look at some of the ultimate forms of Japanese artistry. It’s a rare opportunity for a wonderful experience, so join us now to feel and touch the very essence of Japanese craftsmanship. It’s also a terrific chance to converse with our craftsmen about the passion and technique they put into their work. You may request in advance the specific type of craft you would like to see on this tour (must be in advance).

　

Hands-on Experience － Enjoy Being Creative! －

In this tour, you will get a deeper understanding of Japanese craft by entering the creation process in a hands-on workshop. You will try one of three craft types: Urushi lacquered chopsticks, gold leafing, or makie gold powdering. Your work will be a wonderful memory to take back with you. This is a brief one-hour tour so it is well suited for a busy travel schedule. Preferences for craft type are considered upon advance request (must be in advance)

Gold leaf push (paste gold leaf on metal fittings)
Size: 11.5 cm from side to side
You will choose one from the 12 zodiac, the crane and the turtle.

Makie (with frame and stand)
Size: Blackboard 12 cm square,Frame 14 cm square
We prepare a sketch of the seasonal flowers.
It is OK to draw free-handed favorite pictures.
You can write your name and date.

Gold Leafing Workshop

　
A mere 0.0001 milimetres in thickness, gold leaf is so delicate that it will fly away in a breeze. In our gold leafing workshop we only use real, fine gold leaf.In this workshop, you will apply gold leaf onto a copper plate ornament.

Makie Gold Powdering

In this workshop we create makie (lit. sprinkled picture) using a special brush to apply lacquer, and sprinkle gold powder on it just before it dries.After selecting a basic image to work from, you will sketch your design, apply the lacquer, then add gold powder coating by dabbing it onto the adhesive lacquer.

Lacquered Chopsticks Workshop

Take home your very own, original pair of chopsticks! Polish a pair of lacquer-painted chopsticks with sandpaper. As the chopsticks are polished, the quality of the lacquer changes, and you can see the colours brighten before your eyes.