Okinawa | Sanshin Lacquerware

Okinawa | Sanshin Lacquerware

from $680.00

[Private Masterclass]
$340 USD per person.
Minimum of 2 people required. Solo guest may book at the price of 2 participants.

Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance

Number of Participants:

1 2 3 4

Quantity:

Book

Embrace the sound and artistry of Okinawan traditional culture in this Sanshin-specializing lacquerware artisan studio

Details

Private Experience
Location: Naha City, Okinawa
2 hours
4 people max per booking. Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English

Serpentine Strings

A ubiquitous presence in nearly every Okinawan home, the sanshin's long wooden neck and drum-like body wrapped taut in python snakeskin represent an ancient musical tradition of the Ryukyu Islands that continues to prosper melodically in even modern times. A three-stringed instrument introduced to Okinawa from China in the 14th century, it has since evolved into its own unique variation, also acting as the predecessor to the equally iconic mainland Japanese shamisen. Built to last more than a lifetime, sanshin are often passed down in families for generations, and were once viewed as carrying the voices of the dietes themselves, are now used in small family gatherings, weddings, festivals, and other local celebrations. While the construction of these instruments occasionally varies, with Okinawans notably creating sanshin out of empty metal cans following destruction based by WWII, one of the integral parts of traditional sanshin is lacquerware, serving to preserve the rich tones and intricate construction of the instrument, as well as add a strong sheen to the design. At this sanshin lacquerware studio, operated by an artisan with not only a professional background in various parts of the sanshin production process, but also classical training in sanshin performing arts, immerse into the musical heritage of the ancient Ryukyu kingdom and modern Okinawan culture and witness firsthand the intricate processes involved in the art of lacquerware.

What you’ll do

Enter the studio of a lacquerware artist and classically-trained sanshin performer. Learn more about the culture and history of the sanshin in Okinawa. See different parts of the lacquerware and sanshin production process depending on the day. Finish with a private sanshin performance by the host.