Classes
Andon (行灯) Workshop
Andon (行灯, lantern) is a traditional Japanese lamp consisting of paper stretched over a frame of bamboo, wood or metal. The paper protected the burning oil frame from the wind and allowed light to filter out. It became popular in the Edo period where Roji-andons were lanterns made for the outside to be carried from the main house to the tea room to light from the corner of the room; Oki-andons were used inside the house often for reading and sewing at night. Oki-andons were usually rectangular or square in shape with a handle at the top so as to make them portable. Andons were typically covered with washi (Japanese paper made from mullberry pulp) which diffuses light particularly well. The washi covering shields the burning oil from wind. The technique of gluing washi to the wooden frame is similar to the manner of papering Japanese shoji screens. Even though electricity has replaced burning oil for illumination, the nostalgia of a soft and warm light coming though washi paper of an andon is fitting in spaces such as entrances, hallways and bedside.
In this one-session hands-on workshop, you will assemble an oki-andon frame and then cover it with washi using shoji screen papering technique. Included for the workshop is an oki-andon wood frame kit made of spruce wood prepared with pre-cut tongue and groove joints for assembly in class. A selection of washi paper is available for your use to cover the wooden frame lantern. LED light bulb and socket are included in the kit of materials.
Chabako - Washi Covering & Fabric Covering Workshops
Chabako (茶箱, tea boxes) are cedar wooden storage boxes lined with tin inside and each outside edge is covered by shofu (a japanese food-safe adhesive tape) to keep the boxes airtight and provide excellent protection against humidity, insects and oxidation which keep items stored smelling fresh. The history of chabako is deeply related to the history of Japanese tea exports. They were used for storing and overseas transporting tea leaves since the late Edo period (early 19th Century). Their sturdy construction made them ideal for transportation. With their simple clean-line design, people use them as home furnishings such as ottomans, coffee tables or storage chests. By covering them with beautiful washi (Japanese paper made with mulberry) or with elegant brocade fabric used for kimono obi, these boxes are transformed into sophisticated yet functional furniture.
Chabako with Washi Covering Workshop
Chabako covered with washi evokes images of the past where tea boxes were covered with Ranji (蘭字), package labels on the boxes prepared for Japanese tea export used from around the end of 19th to the beginning of 20th century. Ranji were beautifully designed and printed mainly by Ukiyo-e artisans to convey the image of Japanese tea in an easy-to-understand manner to Westerners. Though, Ranji has been obsolete, it's considered as the origin of the current Japanese graphic design.
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to use washi to cover with precision at each turn of the corners and edges of a chabako to reveal its uniquely Japanese-designed tea box profile.
Chabako with Fabric Covering Workshop
Dyeing and weaving of fabric are techniques indispensable to contemporary living. The art of Japanese dyeing and weaving is the culmination of centuries of tradition and fashion aesthetics going back to the courtly culture of the Heian Period (794-1185), the samurai culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (late 16th Century), and the merchant culture of the Edo Period (1603-1868). These durable yet brilliant fabrics are all expressive in their own ways.
In this hands-on workshop, Chabako serves as a medium highlighting the beautiful tradition of Japanese textiles. Creatively combining Yuzen dyed cotton textiles, silk woven Obi brocade, or Aizome-dyed linen, you will produce a finished piece of furniture (even for sitting), an ornamental piece, or treasure chest, which ever best reflects your unique personal style.
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