Ukiyo-e Motif Kataezome Stencil Dyeing Workshop in a Scenic Kyoto Garden

A Famous Garden with the Soothing Sound of a Babbling Brook

Murin-an, nestled at the base of Higashiyama in Kyoto, was built between 1894 and 1896 as a villa for the statesman Aritomo Yamagata. It comprises a Japanese garden, the main building, a tea ceremony room, and a Western-style house. The Western-style house is known as the location of the Murin-an Conference in 1903, during which Japan's first Prime Minister, Hirobumi Ito, and Aritomo Yamagata deliberated on diplomatic policy and shaped the nation's future.

Murin-an Garden, a creation of Jihei Ogawa, a trailblazer in modern Japanese garden design　©Ueyakato Landscape Co., LTD.

The garden, created by harnessing water from Lake Biwa, is a masterpiece in the Higashiyama-Nanzenji area. It has received enduring acclaim, being praised as the inspiration for subsequent gardens. As you stroll through the garden, the gentle murmur of flowing water and the rustling of leaves create an atmosphere reminiscent of a tranquil mountain stream. In this experience, the second floor of Murin-an’s main building will be reserved for you to try kataezome, from where you can also enjoy captivating views of the garden.

The second floor of Murin-an's main building overlooks the greenery of the garden　©Ueyakato Landscape Co., LTD.

The Beauty of Japan Depicted by Kataezome Artist Masayuki Isa

Your instructor, Mr. Masayuki Isa, is an accomplished kataezome artist and Japanese-style painter. His father, Kunio, learned from the renowned kataezome artist Toshijiro Inagaki, a Living National Treasure, and established the Isa Monyo Research Institute known for its modern kataezome patterns. Mr. Isa now carries on this tradition, safeguarding kataezome and its diverse patterns for future generations. The Isa Monyo Research Institute houses a vast collection of over 3,000 kakishibu (persimmon tannin) stencils created throughout its history.

Masayuki Isa, a kataezome artist and Japanese-style painter, specializes in kataezome works featuring themes such as the moon and Kyoto shrines

A versatile, award-winning artist, Mr. Isa also teaches Japanese-style painting nationwide, offers kataezome patterns for architectural projects, and designs posters for the Kyoto Autumn Music Festival. Beyond Japan, he shares his expertise through kataezome lectures abroad, actively promoting Japanese culture globally. In this workshop, you will get to learn the techniques of kataezome directly from Mr. Isa and create your own masterpiece.

A Traditional Japanese Technique Evolved into an Art Form

Kataezome, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185), is a traditional Japanese stencil dyeing technique involving using a stencil as a guide to apply resist paste, dyeing the fabric, and washing off the resist paste post-dyeing. Initially used for samurai and feudal lord attire, as well as in Noh plays, from the Muromachi period (1336-1568) through the Edo period (1603-1868), it later became popular among commoners in the mid-Edo period.

This method evolved in step with Japanese culture, becoming a cornerstone of the opulent kimono culture in the 1900s. Today, kataezome extends beyond kimonos, enduring as both an art and an artistic technique.

Mr. Isa's artwork inspired by the Kiyomizu-dera Temple

While kataezome involves several intricate steps, in this experience you will dye washi paper on which resist paste is applied according to your desired pattern.

Choosing From the Ukiyo-e-Themed Motifs

In this workshop, you will try kataezome featuring ukiyo-e-inspired themes. Explore various renowned ukiyo-e motifs like Fine Wind, Clear Morning and The Great Wave off Kanagawa from the iconic Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. Feel free to have a discussion with Mr. Isa to choose the motif that inspires your creativity.

1. Fine Wind, Clear Morning

2. The Great Wave Off Kanagawa

The Pleasure of Coloring and Dyeing Japanese Paper

To start, Mr. Isa will give a brief demonstration. While you listen to his explanation, you can observe and contemplate the distinctions between this art form and other painting styles, reflecting on the traditional kataezome kimono creation process.

Demonstration is a unique opportunity to see Mr. Isa's work at close range

Kataezome involves a complex series of steps, including sketching, stencil carving, applying resist paste, and washing off the paste. In this hands-on experience, you will engage in the dyeing stage of the process, using a traditional Japanese brush to dye washi paper. A pattern will be provided, making it accessible even for those not confident in their drawing skills.

Adding color with a brush while using a stencil

Kataezome allows for bold strokes using a wide brush to apply colors. One of the most delightful aspects of kataezome is envisioning the final scene as the stencil is peeled off. You do not have to copy the subject exactly. Feel free to explore your creativity, whether it is tweaking the colors slightly or experimenting with gradation.

A night view of Mt. Fuji reimagined from Fine Wind, Clear Morning. The dramatic shift in impression is fascinating

Experience and Explore Japanese Beauty and Tradition

This experience empowers participants to create their unique interpretation of scenes, by layering colors according to their artistic sensibilities. Isa says, "Kataezome is fascinating because it heightens your awareness of nature. You start contemplating the colors of dawn and the transformations in plant hues." 

Upon completing this workshop, you may discover yourself perceiving everyday landscapes from a slightly altered perspective. Come and experience the charm of kataezome, a tradition steeped in history and foundational to kimono culture. All this unfolds in a Japanese-style room overlooking the exquisite garden of Murin-an.

Finished kataezome artworks. The depth of these pieces truly shines when showcased in a frame