Suminagashi: An Art of Irreplaceable Moments

Originating in Japan more than 800 years ago, Suminagashi literally means “floating ink.” This elegant technique was first enjoyed in the Heian period (794–1185) as a courtly pastime, where artists and nobles would marvel at the delicate, ever-changing patterns created on water.

In this class, you will learn how to gently drop ink onto the surface of water and guide the ripples with your breath, brushes, or even the subtlest movements of air. The resulting designs are then transferred onto washi paper and even onto fabric items such as handkerchiefs, creating one-of-a-kind works of art.