A “hanko” is a personal stamp that is traditionally used in lieu of a handwritten signature in Japan.
Today people make and use hanko the way they like, and used on your artworks, holiday cards or just anywhere you would like to add little personal touch.
We are extremely excited to invite Hanko and Japanese calligraphy artist Kouko from Japan and offer this workshop.
At this workshop,
- you will learn and carve your own personal "hanko" with your initial or Kanji ( which you can also ask Kouko to come up the most beautiful and suitable Kanji for your name and character) (up to 2 characters) on 3/4"-1' square stone.
(The class max size is 5 people, so you will receive close, hands on instruction from the instructor.)
-learn and observe "Shodo" ( Japanese calligraphy) after making hanko.
- you will make your own Japanese calligraphy art using Japanese shodo brush on the paper or make Japanese postcard and stamp the hanko you will make to finish one piece of art work.
- you will receive your own shuniku ( traditional red ink for stamps)
The class will last about 1.5 hours and after the class, you will be able to go home with your own hanko, shuniku and artwork you will make at the end of the class.
About the artist,
Kouko Saito has been making hanko for over 25 years.
In 2001, he has won gold medal for Skills Grand Prix Japan 2021, wood hanko carving.
Since then he has been exhibiting his works at galleries in Japan, Europe and beyond.
In 2018, he has opened Kouko-an, in Shiga, Japan to showcase his hanko and calligraphy works, and exhibit many artists throughout Japan.