This time, we would like to introduce a place in Shizuoka Prefecture where you can try your hand at making things, the cloisonne enamel ware studio "Kobo Yamazaki" in Ito City.
Here, even beginners can experience beautiful cloisonne enamel ware in an easy and fun way.
Cloisonne ware workshop "Kobo Yamazaki
The workshop is located a 7-minute walk from Tomido Station on the Izu Kyuko Line.
By car, it is about 5 minutes from Route 135, and there are 3 free parking lots.
Located in the nature-rich Izu Highlands, here you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and experience cloisonne enameling while enjoying a quiet, peaceful, and extraordinary experience.
What is cloisonne ware?
Cloisonne ware is one of the traditional royal arts, and is made by baking glaze over metals such as gold, silver, and copper.
It is often favored for accessories because of its unique luster and vivid colors.
Because of its beauty, it is sometimes called "the jewel that man can design.
Since the Edo period (1603-1868), it has been used as sheaths and brims for swords held by warriors, as nail covers in temples and shrines, and as decoration for sliding doors.
The word "cloisonne" in cloisonne enamel ware has the origin of being beautiful like the seven treasures in a Buddhist legend, and people have loved it for its beauty since ancient times.
Experience making things using cloisonne ware
At Kobo Yamazaki, visitors can try their hand at making accessories, key chains, and other small items using cloisonne enamel ware.
Even if you don't want to experience it, you can visit for free.
The workshop is located with a spectacular view overlooking the ocean, where you can spend a wonderful time looking at the Izu Kogen Plateau, the greenery, and the far-reaching ocean, and listening to the chirping of wild birds.
The view is especially spectacular on sunny days, but there is a roof, so the experience is possible even on rainy days.
Advance reservations are required for the experience.
Please note that the studio is closed irregularly and advance reservations are required for the cloisonne enameling experience.
Reservations can be made by calling the workshop directly or through reservation sites such as Jaran.
Amount and time required for the experience
The time required for the experience varies depending on what is being created, but it usually takes about one to two hours.
The price also varies depending on the design you choose and the amount of gold leaf, etc., but ranges from 3,500 yen to 5,000 yen.
The Process of Experience
The first step is to decide what to produce.
There are many different types of pendant tops, earrings, and accessory cases, all of which can be completed in about an hour with the help of the staff,
You can take it home that day.
You can choose from a variety of designs, from traditional cloisonne enamel ware using gold or silver leaf to modern wired cloisonne enamel ware using silver or copper wire.
Even beginners can consult with the staff to decide on a design.
The "base" is prepared, and the experience begins with the painting of the glass glaze on the back of the base.
Then, gold leaf and other decorations are added to create the design of your choice.
Several colors of glaze can be used, and color schemes can be enjoyed.
The finish of cloisonne enamel ware varies depending on the degree of glaze application and subtle temperature adjustments, making it impossible to create the same design twice.
It is a valuable experience to create a completely one-of-a-kind work of art that you make yourself.
Once the design is finished, it is placed in the furnace to bake, then removed and allowed to cool from the heat.
Even if a design fails during the process, the staff will teach you how to do it from start to finish, so even the clumsy can complete the work well.
There are many different ways to make cloisonne enamel ware, and the resulting designs are extremely varied.
From simple and easy designs to complex and difficult ones, consult with your own dexterity, time, and price to determine your own unique design.
Kobo Yamazaki" is a wonderful place for healing.
Tea and sweets are served during the experience, allowing visitors to relax and experience making things in a peaceful space.
The garden of the workshop is also very beautifully maintained, and you can enjoy watching the gardening of wildflowers, herbs, and flowers in each season.
It is a wonderful place where you can feel your daily stress melt away in this space.
The studio offers not only hands-on experience, but also sells cloisonne enamel ware pieces made by artisans.
One of the pleasures of this shop is to take your time in choosing your favorite piece from among the different designs of each piece.
There are also oil paintings and stained glass exhibits, making it like an art gallery where visitors can enjoy a variety of works of art.
This is also a great place for children to experience the work, so you and your children can create a commemorative piece of art for a fun family outing.
Near the workshop is Izu Guranparu Park, which offers a variety of amusements and restaurants, so families can enjoy themselves all day long in combination with the park.
In winter, Japan's first interactive illumination is also held, with show times and other activities that allow visitors to enjoy Izu entertainment until nightfall.
There are many hotels and pensions in the surrounding area where you can enjoy Izu's natural beauty, as well as Izu's delicious food and hot springs, making it a perfect spot for a weekend excursion.
It will be a very useful experience for your child's long vacation assignments and diary.
The nature and craft experiences will surely make your outing a memorable one!
