Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing
What You Will Gain from This Tour
1. Learn from a legendary Ukiyo-e craftsman, renowned in museums like the British Museum, about how to appreciate and understand the designs of famous Ukiyo-e.
2. Experience Ukiyo-e making at Japan's oldest Ukiyo-e workshop under the guidance of "A Master of Traditional Craft."
3. Choose from 200 Ukiyo-e designs to purchase and take home a unique piece of art.
Ukiyo-e is a genre of prints and paintings that developed in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is particularly renowned for its woodblock prints, which involve unique techniques.
1: The Production Process: Ukiyo-e was created through a division of labor among three craftsmen: painters, carvers, and printers. First, the painters would draw the design, then the carvers would engrave it onto woodblocks, and finally, the printers would apply colors in layers to create the print. This process allowed for the production of prints in large numbers, making them affordable and widely accessible.
2: The Technique: One of the key characteristics of ukiyo-e was its use of multiple-color printing, with different woodblocks used for each color. The woodblocks were precisely carved, and colors were layered to produce rich hues and depth. The fineness of lines and variations in color intensity also expanded the range of expression.
3: The Cultural and Historical Significance: Ukiyo-e reflected the popular culture of the time, depicting everyday life, customs, landscapes, kabuki actors, and portraits of beautiful women during the Edo period. These works were widely beloved by the common people, reflecting and contributing to the vibrant Edo culture. Furthermore, in the late 19th century, ukiyo-e had a significant impact on Western culture through the Japonism movement and its influence on Impressionist painters.
Ukiyo-e is highly regarded around the world, even today, for its technical excellence and its rich representation of Japanese culture and society.
Would you like to experience the enchanting art of Ukiyo-e creation at Japan's oldest Ukiyo-e studio? Create your own Ukiyo-e masterpiece under the guidance of an authentic Ukiyo-e artisan and make an unforgettable memory to last a lifetime.
Ukiyo-e Edo Woodblock Prints
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Experience at Takahashi Kobo (Studio), Japan's oldest and most prestigious ukiyo-e studio.
Takahashi Kobo (Studio) is Japan's oldest and most prestigious ukiyo-e studio, with a history of over 160 years.
Originating from the Edo period as a family of 'printers,' the studio also assumed the role of 'publisher' from the fourth generation.
In the past, ukiyo-e artisans even demonstrated their skills to the Emperor.
Enjoy a genuine ukiyo-e-making experience with the real artisans at this workshop.
Takahashi Studio promoting ukiyo-e internationally
Takahashi Studio participated in the 'Hokusai Beyond the great wave' exhibition at the British Museum, where they held lectures and demonstrations.
Additionally, they have been actively promoting ukiyo-e internationally, with lectures and demonstrations at The Detroit Institute of the Arts in USA, the 'DENTO-HOUSE PARIS' exhibition in France, and 'Milano Salone 2016' in Italy, among others.
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About traditional printing tool “Baren”
“Baren”, a vital tool for ukiyo-e printers, is meticulously crafted using traditional materials and techniques. Artisans create a baren by intricately weaving thin strands of carefully selected bamboo skin into a long, slender rope.
This rope is then spiraled to form the baren’s core, encased in layers of Japanese paper shaped into a dish and coated with multiple layers of lacquer. Finally, it's wrapped in bamboo skin.
Printers use various types of baren, each specifically chosen based on the area and technique of printing. This traditional yet sophisticated tool fascinates with its intricate design and crucial role in ukiyo-e creation.
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You can take home one authentic ukiyo-e piece, ukiyo-e fans and ukiyo-e book cover
You can take home one authentic Ukiyo-e print made by a craftsman (valued at around 20,000 yen), one handheld fan, and one book cover adorned with Ukiyo-e prints that you have created.
Takahashi Studio also sells renowned ukiyo-e woodblock prints by masters like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, meticulously reproduced by skilled craftsmen. These authentic prints are made using mountain cherry woodblocks and 'Echizen Kizuki Bosho Washi,’ a type of paper crafted by a Living National Treasure.
Why not consider purchasing these as a unique memento of your visit to Japan?
Kagurazaka is a historic town depicted in ukiyo-e
Near Takahashi Studio lies Kagurazaka, a historic district also subject to Utagawa Hiroshige's ukiyo-e artworks.
Why not stroll around Kagurazaka with a local guide before or after your ukiyo-e-making experience at Takahashi Studio?
Takahashi Studio is Located Near Our CEO's Residence
Takahashi Studio is situated just a 3-minute walk from our CEO's residence. Its proximity as a neighbor has made this authentic ukiyo-e creation plan a reality.
The area where Takahashi Studio and our CEO's house are located has long been a hub for the printing industry.
Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience Tour Information
Meeting point
Meeting place will be decided upon consultation with the customer.
Hotel pickup is also available for an additional fee.
Tour Duration
Approximately 2 hours.
The meeting and dispersal times will be decided after consulting with the customer.
Accessibility
We hope to welcome as many people as possible to participate in the Ukiyo-e woodblock printing experience. Please consult with us in advance if you require wheelchair access or if children will be participating. In consultation with 'Takahashi Studio,' we will make every effort to accommodate everyone. However, please understand that due to the age of the workshop and the presence of steps, we cannot guarantee participation for everyone.
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Insurance
We are covered by Tour Operator Liability Insurance, so you can join our tours with peace of mind. In the event of an injury during the tour, please go to a hospital promptly with your guide and receive a medical examination. If the hospital confirms that the injury was due to an accident during the tour, we will cover the medical expenses. However, please note that if the hospital does not recognize the injury as tour-related, we will not be able to cover the expenses.