WORKSHOP | Sendai tansu metal embossing experience

Try your hand at metalworking techniques used in the creation of Sendai tansu in this hands-on workshop led by master craftspeople from Miyagi Prefecture.

Sendai tansu – ornate chests of drawers from northeastern Japan – are renowned for their decorative iron fittings. These fittings are not only functional but also highly ornamental, crafted in a variety of shapes and often featuring intricate motifs such as flowers, dragons and karajishi (lit. ‘Chinese lions’). Each piece is carefully hand-chiselled by specialist metalworkers, hammering from the reverse side using a technique known as uchidashi (repoussé).

In this workshop, you will learn about the role of metal fittings in the design and construction of Sendai tansu before trying the embossing process yourself. Using a tagane chisel and a hammer, emboss a design onto a sheet of aluminium under the guidance of experienced artisans and take home your finished piece with a wooden display stand.

This workshop forms part of a wider programme including a talk on the history and characteristics of Sendai tansu (17 July), craft demonstrations (18 and 19 July) and a mini tansu-making workshop (19 July).

Please note that there are only 20 places per session.

Participants must be over 18 years old.

Booking Essential | £20

You may also like the following events from Japan House London:

• This Friday, 18th July, 06:30 pm, The making of Sendai tansu (samurai chests) in London
• This Saturday, 19th July, 12:00 pm, Meet the makers: the three crafts of Sendai tansu in London
• This Saturday, 19th July, 05:00 pm, WORKSHOP | Build a tabletop Sendai tansu in London

Also check out other Workshops in London.