Hyogu Residency: Learn Traditional Kakejiku Scroll Mounting & Paper Framing in Nara, Japan (2027)

Organizer

Toma House AIR

Hyogu Residency: Learn Traditional Kakejiku Scroll Mounting & Paper Framing in Nara, Japan (2027) Deadline: 30 Apr 2027 Country: Japan Hyogu – The Art of Paper Mounting and Framing is a 4-week program to learn the aesthetics of Hyogu (the artistry of mounting and framing of paper-based artworks in Japan) and traditional kakejiku scroll mounting techniques. This course offers a comprehensive lesson that covers the artistry, formats, and aesthetic principles of Hyogu, with direct hands-on kakejiku mounting guidance by the senior mounter from an established mounting studio in Osaka, Japan, alongside workshops, curated field trips, and exclusive guest lectures by hyogu and related practitioners. Artists will acquire both the knowledge and techniques for their ongoing practice and apply them directly to their own artworks. HIGHLIGHTS ＊Learn the foundational techniques, formats, and aesthetic principles of Japanese paper mounting. ＊Practice the complete mounting process of 2 kakejiku scrolls (possible with personal artworks) guided by an experienced hyogu mounter. ＊Connect with local artisans, mounting professionals, artists, and suppliers. ＊Take home an artisan-grade hyogu mounting tool kit to support your future practice. ＊All-English supported lessons with a dedicated interpreter and exclusive English Hyogu Handbook. ＊Curated field trips to immerse in local craft and Nara paper and ink making traditions. ＊Personal worktable in a fully equipped shared studio space. ＊4-week accommodation within an 18th-century cultural property in the heart of Nara City – the attractive ancient capital of Japan with rich history and craft heritage. APPLICATION DEADLINES: Spring Session: December 30th, 2026 Autumn Session: April 30th, 2027 (Note: Applications may close early if spaces are filled.) Duration of residency 4-week program: Spring Session: May 22nd – June 18th, 2027 Autumn Session: October 16th – November 12th, 2027 Accommodation 4-week private bedroom in shared accommodation in the heart of Nara City: Choose between an 18th-century registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan or the residency annex building. Shared spaces include: The studio, fully furnished kitchen, shower, toilets, laundry facilities, garden, and common areas. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance DISCIPLINES: Visual Arts, Paper Art, Photography, Crafts, Design, Paper Conservation, Curatorial Practice, Research, and Interdisciplinary Arts. WORK EQUIPMENTS PROVIDED: * Personal worktable in a fully equipped shared studio space, specialized mounting tools. * Authentic materials for mounting kakejiku scrolls. * An artisan-grade hyogu mounting tool kit to use and keep. ASSISTANCE: * All lessons supported by a dedicated Japanese-English interpreter and an exclusive English * Hyogu Handbook. * Japanese-, English-, and Mandarin-speaking AIR staff are available. * An Official Toma House AIR Artist’s Guides to assist artists in preparing for their residency and getting around Nara and Japan after arrival.Studio / Workspace Personal worktable in a fully equipped shared studio space with specialized tools and facilities necessary for traditional mounting practice.Fees and support PROGRAM FEES: From 808,000 JPY Fees vary based on the accommodation selected, and includes 4-week accommodation, studio workspace and mounting equipment, all lessons and workshops supported by English interpretation, exclusive English Hyogu Handbook, artisan-grade mounting tool kit, mounting materials, field trips, and Wi-Fi access. SUPPORT: This is a self-funded residency program. Official supporting documents are available upon request to assist accepted artists in seeking external grand funding. Expectations towards the artist Artists are expected to attend and actively engage in the lessons, studio practices, workshops, and field trips in this course, and complete mounting at least two kakejiku hanging scrolls by the end of the program. Artists may use template artworks provided by the residency to practice mounting or choose to mount their own artwork. Full details can be found in the Application Guidelines on the official website. Application information 1) Review the Application Guidelines on the official website, then submit the Online Application Form. 2) Your statement: please tell us about you, how did you know about hyogu and what do you want to learn or achieve from this program? 3) Selection (early submission is encouraged, as applications are selected and offered on a rolling basis). 4) Offer and Enrollment APPLICATION DEADLINES: Spring Session: December 30th, 2026 Autumn Session: April 30th, 2027 (Note: Applications may close early if spaces are filled.)

What to submit

Artist statement