CRAFT
In the Hokuriku area, where the town of Takigahara is located, there are traditional crafts such as lacquerware, Japanese paper, and porcelain, as well as a variety of wisdom associated with these crafts, and the spirit of making things is alive and well in Takigahara.
We are always ready to offer workshops to learn and create directly from Hokuriku craftspeople.
Woodturning and Lacquerware
Lacquerware（漆） is one of Japan’s most iconic crafts. It elevates everyday items into objects of beauty with its elegant decorative design.The collaborative crafts of rokuro (wood-turning) and Echizen shikki (lacquerware) hail from nearby Echizen city in Fukui prefecture.
During the experience, participants learn how to design, carve, and mold teacups under the guidance of experienced local artisans.
About the Experience:
Time required 20-30 minutes/person
Fee: 9,000 yen/person
Prior reservation is required.
Please contact us at least one week in advance using the Contact Form.
Please provide your name, the number of people you wish to experience, and your preferred date and time(10:00-16:00).
- After molding, the craftsman will apply lacquer to finish the product and ship it at a later date.
- Please note that it takes about one month to ship.
- For safety reasons, children under 10 years old are not allowed to participate.
Washi Paper Making
Washi is made mainly from water and the inner plant fibres of kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata (paperbush), and gampi shrub. Gampi paper is a Japanese paper that has a smooth and unique luster, yet is strong and resistant to insect damage, and has been used since ancient times for valuable documents and money bills. Takigahara-cho is known as one of the northernmost places where gampi is mined.
In the workshop, participants will learn how to make washi paper using traditional methods, using gampi harvested in Takigahara and wooden and bamboo tools. The date of the workshop will be announced as soon as it is fixed.
Workshop dates will be announced as soon as they are determined.
Kutani Ware Porcelain Painting
Pottery can be roughly divided into earthenware made from clay and porcelain made from stone, and Komatsu is a major porcelain production center. Pottery made in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture is collectively called Kutani ware. Porcelain stones from the mountains of Komatsu were the origin of today's Kutani ware.
Chouemon Kamide：
Founded in 1879 in Terai Village, Nomi County, Ishikawa Prefecture, the birthplace of Kutani Shozo, the founder of Kutani ware. Once a year, the kiln is opened to the public and a Kiln Festival (consecutive holidays in May) is held, where visitors can enjoy painting and a warehouse market.
CERABO KUTANI：
Kutani Ceramic Laboratory is a cultural complex that includes a clay-making factory, a gallery, and a hands-on workshop. Visitors can try their hand at pottery making on a potter's wheel or by hand, and painting.
CERABO KUTANI Website