Kyoto

Hands-On Woodblock Printing

Making Japanese handicraft at Kyoto Handicraft Center

Karen Zheng Aug 20, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>My completed woodblock print of a 'Maiko' (apprentice Geisha).</p>

<p>'Equipments' of woodblock printing </p>

<p>Basic introduction to woodblock printing prior to starting.</p>

<p>Interior of Kyoto Handicraft Center - workshop area</p>

<p>Water-based paint to be spread over the woodblock.</p>

<p>Carved woodblock of Maiko (apprentice Geisha)</p>

<p>An woodblock print of Heian Shrine</p>

<p>Dorei (clay doll) that one can paint with watercolour.</p>

<p>9 different traditional Japanese handicraft workshops available at Kyoto Handicraft Center. </p>

Widely appreciated at art galleries and museums across Japan, woodblock prints boast a popular culture that has gained popularity since the Edo period (1603 – 1867). The Kyoto Handicraft Center allows you a hands-on experience of creating your own woodblock prints. With 6 woodblocks to complete for each print, one can easily complete the artwork with the guidance of an instructor. Making your own woodblock prints is a fun activity and the end products can be special souvenirs for family or friends. Besides woodblock printing, Kyoto Handicraft Center also offers 8 other types of traditional Japanese handicrafts. Reservation is generally not required unless you are travelling in a large group.

Karen Zheng @karen.zheng

Because there’re so much more. Be it places, people or the most trivial of matters, there are much more if only one cares to explore further. I would love to hear your story and share some good ones with you. Come travel with me. Be inspired.