Step inside a woodcraft studio that has been in business since 1913 and try your hand at charring your very own paulownia wood coaster. Iwamoto Kiyoshi's work is known for being very light and highly resistant to water thanks to the charring technique used on the outer surface. As part of the experience, you will also get a tour of their workshop and learn about the various tools and machinery used for crafting.
Overview of what you will be doing:
1. Use a gas burner to char the outer surfaces of a coaster made from paulownia wood.
2. With the buffer machine inside the workshop, buff the surfaces to remove the soot.
3. Imprint a logo of your choice (from 2) onto the buffed coaster with a branding iron.
4. Enjoy a browse of the storefront to see what you might want to pick up in addition to the coaster and bring home as a souvenir!
An important note:
It will take around a day for the artisan to finish up your work. If you will still be in Kanazawa, you can pick it up by yourself or have us deliver it to your hotel. Otherwise, we will ship it to your next accommodation. For this reason, we ask that you participate in this workshop at least 4 days before you leave Japan.
The studio and its workshop are located in a small alley, right by "Hyotanmachi" intersection. Our translator will be waiting for you in front of the place, to make it easier for you to spot it.
The studio and its workshop are located in a small alley, right by "Hyotanmachi" intersection. Our translator will be waiting for you in front of the place, to make it easier for you to spot it.
