Join one of the last remaining Osaka ranma artisans as he continues to shape and form this classic craft

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Matsubara, Osaka

• 2 hours

• 6 people max. Minimum 2 people required. Solo guest may book at the price of 2 participants

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English

  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Carving Out Culture

Tucked into the top of traditional Japanese rooms and houses are intricately carved panels of wood. Each timber scene is composed of incredibly refined detail, capturing the elegant curve of trees blooming, the snapping jaws of fearsome beasts, or sweeping landscapes of pagodas and bridges. Known as ranma in Japanese, these decorative transoms can be found in elegant interior spaces where guests are greeted, such as a tea room, and assist in both enhancing ventilation and the filtration of light connecting together different rooms. Osaka is one of two major historical hubs for wood panel production, the other being Toyama Prefecture. However, while the Toyama ranma style features primarily traditional three-dimensional carved scenery, the Osaka ranma style infuses a greater variety of patterns, geometric shapes, and lattice layers. A craft believed to have originated around the construction of Kyoto temples in the Edo Period, Osaka's merchant background and favorable location including lumber distribution wholesalers located along the various rivers that flow into the city attracted ranma artists to the region, transforming Osaka into one of the nation's centers of wood panel carving. A 2nd-generation artisan following in the footsteps of his father, Komei-san carries on the craft, carving products displayed for all members of the community to enjoy, from festival floats to temple iconography. Join him in his studio and watch him slowly shape the direction of this storied heritage firsthand.

What you’ll do

Learn about the history of Osaka ranma wood panel carving. See the production process and wood carving up close. Take a studio tour and see Komei-san's completed work, current projects, and construction materials up close.

Who can attend

Children must be 10+

Availability

Everyday        
Session 1  (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 2 (15:00 - 17:00)

Access

50 minutes by train from Osaka Station

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 10 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.

* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.