Learn karakami printmaking techniques with Aiko & Takuma in the serene Japanese countryside. You will learn how to design your own prints through the traditional art of decorative paper made with wood engravings in Japanese interior design style.  #creativevacation #vawaa #japan #printmaking #printmakingtechniques #decorativepaper #papercrafts #homedecor #slowtravel  #howtomake #interiordesign
  • Shiga, Japan
  • 8 hours over 2 days

Karakami Printmaking with Takuma & Aiko

In the serene Japanese countryside, discover the traditional art of decorative paper making alongside a husband and wife team of master craftsmen. Design your own prints, create wood Japanese wood engravings, and print your own papers, all in a traditional house in the idyllic Japanese mountains.
  • Snacks, Coffee, & Tea

Pricing

One Guest
USD $785
Additional guest(s) (max 2)
USD $420
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Meet the Artist

Takuma and Aiko are printmakers of karakami, a traditional decorative paper that came to Japan from Tang China during the Nara Period. At first, this paper was used for transcribing poetry, such as short tanka poems or haikai linked verse, and slowly started getting used in interiors. After studying printing techniques in an art college and training in an ancient store in Kyoto, Takuma established his own studio in the countryside of Shiga with his wife, Aiko, who designs their works. Taking a contemporary approach, they print on Japanese washi paper using hand carved wood blocks to make fusuma panels, sliding doors, folding screens, and wallpapers. Paying tribute to the long tradition of karakami while living in a traditional house, surrounded by mountains, rivers, rice fields and temples - that's what this one is about.




VAWAA Includes:

  • Selecting a traditional Japanese wood engraving pattern from Takuma and Aiko's collection.
  • Coloring and printing your papers. 
  • Mounting. 
  • All materials and tools. 
  • Visit the nearby hot spring.

Explore Shiga

Typically passed over in favor of nearby Kyoto, Shiga is a hidden jewel where you can experience authentic Japanese lifestyle and culture, like the legendary sacred island of Chikubushima. From Lake Biwa--Japan’s largest freshwater lake--to the surrounding mountains, the natural beauty of this prefecture never fails to take our breath away. We love the vibrant cultural festivals of the surrounding towns and cities as well. Higashiomi hosts the Giant Kite Festival every May, while the hikiyama festival in Nagahama is one of the biggest in Japan.

Additional Details

This session is not available for a longer duration. 
Takuma & Aiko's Availability 2 days

Guest Reviews

1
  • Alexandra M., France

    My stay with Aiko and Takuma went far beyond learning a craft, it was an extraordinary human experience: staying in their house and sharing the life of the family for 4 days was amazing. Aiko and Takuma and Minori (Takuma's brother) were incredibly kind and caring, both as teachers and hosts.

    I enjoyed the complex and satisfying process of making karakami prints in the traditionnal manner: des
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