Japanese Papier-mâché Painting

【Activity description】

A craft course where you can unleash your imagination and give birth to a very unique piece of art.
The papier-mâché was imported from China during the Heian period (794-1185), which consists generally in a wooden frame covered with paper.
At “Pink. Asakusa Cafe” you will be able to create your original souvenir painting the base papier-mâché plain body with any colours you want.
There are various shapes, but many of them are in the shape of animals, and they have come to be useful as auspicious items.
First, choose your favourite plain body, and start to paint your ideas.
Don't worry, if you don't know how to start it, the staff will support you!

【Available shapes】
▶Daruma
It is in round shape and it’s said that the daruma doll always gets up no matter how much times it falls. It was used and cherished as a symbol of good luck and future fortune since ancient times and was believed to help ward off evil spirits and grant wishes, usually for a prosperous business.

▶Manekineko
In the olden days, cats were considered lucky charms for sericulture because they get rid of mice that eat crops and silkworms.
According to a theory, the first Manekineko was originally made using a pottery technique called “Imado-yaki”, which was produced around Imado-chō in Asakusa.

▶Fox mask
Fox masks are used in Nōgaku (traditional styles of Japanese teather Nō and Kyōgen) and Kagura (dances and songs performed to worship the gods).
At Inari shrines, the fox is often considered auspicious as it is enshrined as a messenger of the gods.
Also, fox masks are said to bring benefits such as a bountiful harvest, prosperous business and family safety.