KARAMARU Joins Our Website – Experience the Timeless Elegance of Kyo Karakami Woodblock Printing

We are excited to announce that KARAMARU – Woodblock Printing on Washi Paper: Experience & Shop, operated by Kyo Karakami Maruni Co., Ltd., has been added to our website.

Kyo Karakami is a traditional Kyoto craft that uses hand-carved woodblocks to print decorative patterns onto Washi paper. These beautiful designs have long adorned temples, tea houses, and traditional interiors, embodying the refined aesthetics of classical Japan. The printing process involves applying natural pigments such as kira (mica) and gofun (shell powder) to woodblocks carved from magnolia wood, and carefully pressing them by hand to transfer the patterns one by one.

At KARAMARU, artisans continue to use woodblocks dating back to the Tempo period (1831–1845), preserving the techniques, tools, and patterns of this age-old craft. Learn more about this exceptional atelier here:
👉 Atelier Page: KARAMARU – Woodblock Printing on Washi Paper

KARAMARU offers a variety of immersive experiences where visitors can explore the art of Kyo Karakami firsthand, from postcard and panel making to crafting Japanese lamps and stampbooks:
👉 Experience Pages:

• Karakami Printing Experience
• Karakami Postcard Printing
• Karakami Stampbook Making
• Karakami Panel Making
• Japanese Lamp Making with Karakami
• Karakami Exploration Tour

These hands-on workshops are a rare opportunity to engage with one of Kyoto’s most visually captivating traditional arts.

We will continue to share the stories and techniques of Kyoto’s remarkable artisans. Stay tuned for more updates!