Kaga Onsen | Yamanaka Lacquerware Carving Masterclass
Kaga Onsen | Yamanaka Lacquerware Carving Masterclass
[Private Masterclass]
$460 USD per person for studio tour + hands on experience
$720 USD per person for studio tour + hands on experience + wooden bowl finished by artisans
Please make a booking at least 7 days in advance.
Behold three generations of artisans carry on the unique centuries-old woodworking craft behind Yamanaka kiji-mise lacquerware production.
Details
Private experience
2 hours
10 people max. Minimum
Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
(French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)
With devotion and a sense of responsibility,
Yamanaka, famous as an onsen hot spring resort, is also home to Yamanaka Shikki, a renowned center of lacquerware production. The art of lacquerware, steeped in 1300 years of Japanese cultural tradition, was introduced to Yamanaka roughly 450 years ago. Yamanaka artisans adapted their lacquerware production to specifically suit its use by onsen customers by applying a thinner layer of lacquer allowing the grain of the wood beneath to remain visible. This style of visible wood grain lacquerware is called kiji-mise.
Hirohiko is the 4th generation in a succession of 5 generations who have lovingly carved the pieces that form the basis of kiji-mise style lacquerware production. He works alongside his father Ryozo, now in his nineties, and his son Hirotsugu, in his twenties crafting each item. The process begins by carving the shape on a potter’s wheel and progressing to detailed hand work. Immerse yourself in ancient Japanese culture as you behold artisans of 3 different generations pursuing a common philosophy of craftsmanship.
What you’ll do
1) 10 minutes: Explanation of the history of woodworking in Yamanaka
2) 50 minutes: Guided tour of the facilities in the workshop
3) 30 minutes: Hands-on experience of carving wood
4) 30 minutes: Tour of the exhibition space and Q&A session
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
Availability
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 16:00)
Access
60 min taxi ride from Kanazawa station.
or 90 min from Kanazawa station(60 min Train ride + 20 min taxi ride from Kaga Onsen Station)
What else you should know
If your nails are too long, they might damage the wood. Please note that you may not be able to participate in part of the program.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
