Special Experience

Tokyo

Learn to Paint with the Spirit of Zen in Sumi-e Ink Art

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イメージ拡大マーク
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Overview

Learn nihonga painting, using classical techniques from the Sakai family’s foundational Edo Rimpa style, which thrived in the 19th century. By using your own hands to reproduce the work, you can rediscover the mindset of the artist during the creation of the painting. This practice brings you thematically closer to the spirituality of Zen. After this private experience, enjoy some viewing time with your instructor.

Key Features

・Experience the soft touch and splendor of Japanese ink paintings in a private atelier acclaimed by numerous national embassies.
・After learning the brush techniques with authentic tools and materials, try your hand at reproducing an ink painting masterpiece.
・Your painting will be prepared as a work of home decor to be taken home on the day.

Tokyo

from
¥19,000 /person

Private event

1 - 3 participants

150 min

Available in English

Cancel free up to 8 days before

Details

Classical painting technique and aesthetics straight from a Japanese artist

Walk from bustling Aoyama into the backstreets and the atmosphere calms. There, in an apartment building in a quiet residential area, find the Rimpa Sumi-e Heritage Club. Nihonga and ink paintings line the walls, drawing your eye to the charm and techniques of classical Japanese art and pulling you into the world of sumi-e brush art.

The explanation of the background of each work is also fascinating

Representative Tomoko Sase began her sumi-e self study in junior high school, and later studied under Hodo Sakai, sixth generation disciple of Hoichi Sakai. While painting, she founded the Rimpa Sumi-e Preservation Club as a place where people could learn informally about classical paintings. She is also active in a wide range of other pursuits such as lecturing in an international exchange program.

Works by Sakai Hodo, whose apprentice Sase became at age 14.

The Rimpa school was founded by Koetsu Honami and Sotatsu Tawaraya in the Momoyama period, then grew in prominence under the influence of Korin Ogata in the Edo period. In this experience, learn the heritage techniques of the Sakai family, who founded the Edo branch of the Rimpa school. Depending on Sase’s availability, this experience may be led by her or her apprentice, Akino Kurose.

A moment away from the chaos of life, immersed in the refreshing aroma of paper and ink

All of the art supplies provided in the experience are exclusively for sumi-e, including the washi paper, brushes, and ink blocks. The ink is supplied from the last remaining authentic sumi-e ink studio in Japan: Kishu-shoen in Wakayama. Called “shoen-boku,” this ink is made from the precious soot of charred pine. Painting with authentic traditionally-manufactured tools is among the pleasures of the experience.

Use the authentic tools and materials of professionals

The first step is to grind the pine charcoal ink. Lightly wetting your inkstone and rubbing it slowly is deeply calming. Before long, the fresh ink wafts, encouraging concentration and a certain natural straightening of the spine. In ink painting, dilution is adjusted to produce medium or light ink for shading.

Awash in the fragrance of ink, troubles momentarily fade away

Training to hold the brush in a relaxed hand

This experience will also teach you the basics of brushwork. By reproducing Hodo Sakai’s Bamboo, you can practice all the brush strokes used in ink painting.

For reverse stroke, slide the brush opposite so that its tip is facing you.

“Straight stroke” is performed by holding the brush vertically and moving the tip through its center line. Tipping the brush and painting with its side is the “side stroke.” For the bamboo stalk, the “reverse stroke” is used, painting from bottom to top as if pushing the brush away. Reproducing Bamboo is a standard practice that even professional artists use as a daily warm-up, akin to the “Eight Principles of Yong” used to master kanji calligraphy. Mastering these strokes is foundational to easily tackle more difficult subjects.

The tip of the brush is used to draw thin lines or dots, such as bamboo leaves.

Enso, the embodiment of Zen

After grasping the fundamentals, it’s time to create a theme piece.
The Enso motif is common in Japanese temples and tea rooms. It may look like a simple circle at first glance, but it is a profound symbol requiring deep mental unity and also reflecting the ephemeral state of the inner self. Enjoy a talk on the relationship between the Enso and Zen Buddhism

The density of ink in the brush, and the way it is handled, can express dramatically different images.

Demystifying ink painting

The finished work will be pasted onto colored paper and set as a decor piece, then handed over for you to take home on the day. Ink painting is a classic Japanese art. It is often thought of as an upper class pursuit, but by experiencing the world of the Rimpa Sumi-e Heritage Club, you will discover its real grounded intimacy.

Explore the world of ink painting

This experience includes a private lecture by the instructor to deepen your knowledge of ink painting beyond just the physical techniques. Delve into its history by appreciating masterpieces from the classics to today. You are liable to get hooked. Take your knowledge with you to better enjoy art in museums and temples around Japan.

From left: Cow by Sotatsu Tawara, White Camellia and Raku Tea Bowl by Kiichi Suzuki.



Rimpa Sumie Heritage Club

An ink painting and nihonga school headed by Tomoko Sase, apprentice of Hodo Sakai, sixth-generation discipline of Hoichi Sakai. Students include not only expert artists but also embassy staff and others interested in Japanese culture. Traditional art supplies such as washi paper, sumi-e brushes, pine charcoal, and natural paints await in the classroom. The club seeks to further popularize classical painting and revitalize traditional cultural industries.

Customer's Voice

お客様の声の写真

One of the best things about my stay in Japan, it was wonderful, fascinating and fun!

C.B. United Kingdom

お客様の声の写真

I really enjoyed this experience lesson. The explanation and the way she taught were easy to understand. Even grinding the charcoal ink taught me to be calm and encourage concentration.

R.M. Malaysia

お客様の声の写真

It was fun and we learned a lot. Tomoko was really an amazing teacher. She is very professional and obviously has a lot of knowledge. We loved the experience and appreciate the work and insight Tomoko had to offer. Thank you for a wonderful time!

N.M Israel

Location

Rimpa Sumie Heritage Club
Minato Ward, Tokyo

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October 2024

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Experience fee

Number of Participants fee
JPY 19000 × 1

JPY 19,000

Price may change after date is selected.

Additional options fee

Interpretation in English

JPY 0

Other

Service fee (5%)

JPY 950

Total Price

JPY 19,950

tax & service fee incl.

Extra charges may apply for the following

  • ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
  • ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
While your booking is being processed, a temporary authorization hold will be placed on your credit card. Charges occur upon confirmed reservation.

Tokyo

from
¥19,000 /person

Private event

1 - 3 participants

150 min

Available in English

Cancel free up to 8 days before

Things to know

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.