Netsuke Wood-Carving Workshops

Learn the ancient art of netsuke wood carving with master wood carver Hape Kiddle. In this beginner’s workshop, attendees will learn how to shape and carve their own netsuke fish using traditional wood carving hand tools and Japanese carving techniques such as himotoshi (carving passages in the netsuke for the cord) and ukibori (relief carving). 

Attendees will be provided with a piece of sandalwood that is prepped for carving along with tools so that participants can learn basic netsuke techniques. At the end of the workshop, participants will take home their very own netsuke fish and ability to finish the piece with their new found skills.

This workshop coincides with the Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke exhibition, on display at The Japan Foundation, Sydney from June 4-26, 2021.

ABOUT NETSUKE

Netsuke are small handcrafted objects whose production flourished in the Japanese Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, culture around what is now considered Japanese clothing such as kimono also blossomed. It was customary for people to carry items such as money pouches, inrо̄ (medicine containers) and other items by suspending them by cord from their obi (sash worn with kimono). Netsuke served as toggles that were attached to the end of the cords to help keep these items from slipping beneath the obi. Over the centuries netsuke have come to become highly personalised statements of great artistic and historical value. 

This workshop is recommended for adults.