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Okuda Studio visit for Kaga Yuzen Experience

Lost in the fine details, following the brushstrokes of a Kaga Yuzen artisan.

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Kimono, worn for high-profile events like weddings and parties, are a common sight in Kanazawa, a city where customs like tea ceremony and dance still thrive today.

Classic “yuzen” dyeing techniques are split into three main brands: Kaga Yuzen from Kanazawa, Kyoto Yuzen from Kyoto, and Edo Yuzen from Tokyo, collectively known as Japan’s 'Three Great Yuzen'. Kyoto Yuzen, influenced by the aristocratic culture of Kyoto, features lavish and flamboyant designs. Edo Yuzen, rooted in the merchant culture, favors chic and smart designs. In contrast, Kaga Yuzen, flourishing alongside the samurai culture, is characterized by realistic plant motifs and a palette known as Kaga Gosai (Kaga's five colors).

Visitors to Akaneya Archive Gallery of Okuda Dyeing, a studio bent on Kaga Yuzen for over 100 years, will find the chance to embrace the meanings and placements of patterns, the technique of drawing preliminary sketches with Tsuyukusa, which disappear when washed, and the artisan skill of 'hidden colors' to achieve rich hues. This authentic studio excursion is led by the masterful guidance of Kaga Yuzen artist Masako Okuda, allowing you to mini-apprentice in hand-drawing small furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloths) and dyeing tote bags and drawstring pouches in the authentic Kaga Yuzen style.

Highlights

  • See the full process of hand-drawn Kaga Yuzen, from the preliminary sketch to the final wash.
  • Simply follow the outline to apply colors in this novice-friendly intro to hand-drawn Yuzen.
  • Located near popular spots like the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle, making it a perfect add-on during your travels in Kanazawa.

Photos

  • Hand-drawing small furoshiki crash course led by Kaga Yuzen artist Masako Okuda.

    Hand-drawing small furoshiki crash course led by Kaga Yuzen artist Masako Okuda.

  • Dyes based on Kaga Gosai (Kaga's five colors: vermilion, indigo, yellow ocher, green, and ancient purple).

    Dyes based on Kaga Gosai (Kaga's five colors: vermilion, indigo, yellow ocher, green, and ancient purple).

  • Take in the full-on exhibits showing the process of Kaga Yuzen in the workshop.

    Take in the full-on exhibits showing the process of Kaga Yuzen in the workshop.

  • Kaga Yuzen 'bride's curtain', traditionally given by the bride's parents as part of her dowry.

    Kaga Yuzen 'bride's curtain', traditionally given by the bride's parents as part of her dowry.

  • Hands-on chance to try dyeing the patterns with a brush.

    Hands-on chance to try dyeing the patterns with a brush.

  • Try your hand at coloring Kaga Yuzen and create an all-original souvenir.

    Try your hand at coloring Kaga Yuzen and create an all-original souvenir.

  • The dynamic movement of cranes depicted with delicate Kaga Yuzen.

    The dynamic movement of cranes depicted with delicate Kaga Yuzen.

  • Washing off the paste in the final step.

    Washing off the paste in the final step.

  • Finished product is yours to take home, available same-day.

    Finished product is yours to take home, available same-day.

Reviews

1
  • Kitty Yu

    加賀友禪是通的手工染色來完成的,就像圖畫一樣~ 即使您對畫畫沒有信心,可以像塗著色本一樣製作精美的原創手帕哦~大約 60 分鐘內能製作一條帕哦很棒的體驗哦

Details

Name in Japanese
奥田染色工房 加賀友禅工房見学
Postal Code
920-0998
Address
53-1 Satomicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
Telephone
076-214-4545 (Kanazawa Adventures, Contact: Yamamoto, Asada, Araki)
Business hours
10:00am - 5:00pm
Holidays
From Mondays to Fridays
Access
(1) About 15 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station
(2) About 20 minutes by car from Kanazawa Higashi IC, Kanazawa Nishi IC, Kanazawa Morimoto IC
Reservation Website
Reservation Website (English)