Overview
Wagashi, or Japanese confections, have a rich history dating back hundreds of years. The most exquisite wagashi are nerikiri, hand-sculpted sweets in a variety of flavors and styles, reflecting the beauty found in nature. Typically modeled on seasonal scenes, nerikiri wagashi are famous all over the world, but you don’t have to be a master to make these edible works of art!
In this event, you’ll create two elegant chrysanthemum wagashi in different colors, along with two nerikiri showcasing the vibrant fall hues of green, yellow, orange, and red, totaling four beautiful confections. Let our instructor guide you through every step as you bring the beauty of autumn to life in edible art!
In addition, each participant will be able to select a handcrafted plate made by a traditional artisan based in Fukui prefecture, which can be used to display and serve their wagashi creations. This is a special opportunity to be able to not only learn to make these edible artworks, but present them in their full glory!
What Makes Us Different?
Hands-on experience: We provide all ingredients, materials, and containers to take your creations home. Just walk in and leave with four beautiful Wagashi.
Personal attention: Our instructors offer personalized guidance to ensure every student receives the support they need.
Community atmosphere: Enjoy a fun, welcoming environment where you can connect with fellow sweet-making enthusiasts.
Special Collaboration Event: In this special lesson, students will receive beautiful traditional Japanese plates, perfect for showcasing their Wagashi. Elevate your creations with these exquisite pieces!
Each participant can choose one of the following pieces to take home and display their wagashi creations:
Two-Tier Jubako Bento Box (white) by Echizen Urushi
The perfect foodie gift: a handcrafted traditional Japanese Two-Tier Bento Box.Essential for serving up your favorite Japanese classics like sushi or wagashi, or for turning an average outing into a glamorous hanami picnic. Use for special occasions to serve gourmet snacks, appetizers, and sweets.
Kawara Plate M by Echizen-Seramika
These elegant plates are modeled after the Echizen Kawara tiles seen garnishing rooftops across this ancient region, creating a visual harmony between exterior architecture and interior decor. Each plate is a unique slice of Japan’s cultural heritage, made with special firing techniques so they will last for years to come.
Forest Wooden Plate φ20cm HANA by Echizen Urushi
Simply chic floral wooden plates that elevate any dining experience. Impress your guests with impeccable taste from both your food and decor. Perfect for serving appetizers or sampling large dishes.
Gallery
About the Presenters
Mari Matsuo
Nerikiri Wagashi Instructor
Temari NY specializes in teaching how to create visually stunning and delicious Japanese food art, including decorative sushi rolls and Wagashi (Japanese confectionery). All ingredients can be easily found in New York stores, making it convenient for anyone to try at home. Mari, an instructor at Temari NY, discovered her passion for making cute and beautiful food art while creating bento boxes for her children. She is certified in traditional Japanese sweets and decorative sushi making in Japan and now shares her expertise in New York City, aiming to spread the joy of creating these edible works of art to as many people as possible.
Echizen Urushi
Laquerware Production
The powerful sap of the urushi tree is mostly harvested in Echizen area (today Sabae City in Fukui Prefecture), and Echizen Urushi was developed in this area. Echizen Urushi involves crafting traditional handmade wooden items by coating a wooden base with urushi lacquer. Although these products are categorized as tableware, they come in many different forms such as bowls, plates, boxes, trays, vases, chopsticks, furniture and many different arts and crafts. The shokunin in Echizen have enhanced their skill to create Japanese lacquerware, and Echizen has become one of the biggest lacquerware production areas in Japan.
Echizen-Seramika
Tileware Production
Echizen Kawara tileware plates are made with the same technology used to produce the famous tiles, maintaining a high molding accuracy. This level of detail is impossible on a potter's wheel as square plates are prone to warp.
Mass-produced dishes are often made from blended clay to ensure a uniform appearance, but not Echizen Kawara tileware. By molding from clay harvested directly from Hokuriku's soil with as little modification as possible, the cultural integrity and individual charm of each piece are on full display. Gentle imperfections and divergent expressions make every dish a unique treasure.
Echizen Kawara tileware boasts outstanding strength. The secret is a unique firing technique using a tunnel kiln, a practice unique to Echizen Kawara tiles. The same endurance that keeps Echizen Kawara roof tiles reliable regardless of weather severity year round is the same lastingness you'll find in every exquisite plate, perfect for everyday use.
