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The Japanese Culture Center hosts a wide variety of classes, events, and demonstrations to explore the rich cultural heritage of artists and creators worldwide. Come join us for an immersive experience right in the heart of Chicago!

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Hyougu (表具): The Virtual Wet Mounting Workshop (Sundays)

January 18, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

- $90.00
Hyougu (表具) : The ancient eastern craft of mounting pieces of calligraphy, paintings, or other works.

Hyougu (表具) : The ancient eastern craft of mounting pieces of calligraphy, paintings, or other works of art in order to preserve and display them.

Workshop Price: $90

Dates: Sunday Jan 18: 10:30-12:30pm CST, Sunday Jan 25th, and Feb 1st from 10 AM to 12:30 PM Central Time *note longer time

Workshop Description: Introduction to the Contemporary technique of “Wet Mounting”.

Create an Ensō (円相, “circular form”) or Kakizome (書き初め-first painting of the year) and or select one of your artworks. Mount your artwork or a blank sheet of paper for a direct painting. Traditional Sumi-e, Shodo and Suiboku-ga papers become wavy and uneven artwork after they dry. Most Western Frame shops are not accustomed to framing this style of work, so artists may need to know how to smooth, mount and frame their work on their own.

Week 1: The Artwork: How to select the Artwork to be Mounted. We will paint some Ensō or Kakizome (first painting of the year) to practice your mounting, then prepare our materials for Week 2 and 3 (Mix paste, select artwork, Q&A on Materials

Week 2: Mounting & Matting

Week 3: Finishing and Framing

Supplies: Wet Mounting kit is available at Oriental Art Supply or you can use your own materials if you have them.

To be added to the wait list, or If you have any questions or want to share the work you plan to mount, please email info@japaneseculturecenter.comor jcc.sumie@gmail.com

Year of theTiger by Patricia Larkin GreenSumi-e painting on Gold Fleck Xuan with Colored Xuan Border and gold trim(Wet Mounted on clay panel)

Final Painting in Collectors Home with Custom Frame
2023 Year of The Water Rabbit

8 x 10 Sumi-e painting on Double Xuan with Japanese SIlk paper border and silver trim(Wet Mounted on clay panel)