Japanese Papier-mâché Painting Experience

【Activity description】

A craft course which 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. There are various shapes, but many of them are in the shape of animals, and they have come to be useful as auspicious items.
You will be able to create your original souvenir by painting the base papier-mâché plain body with any colours you want.

First, choose your favourite plain body, and start to paint your ideas by using acrylic paint, watercolor and others paints.
Our staff will support you, so even beginners can enjoy creating.

The papier-mâché is hollow and very light, it is a very popular souvenir for travelers.

【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According to a theory, the first Manekineko was originally made using a pottery technique called “Imado-yaki”, which was produced around Imado-chō in Asakusa.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.