Last Updated on : March 1st, 2026
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PIGMENT TOKYO will be holding the special workshops "Drawing a crayon with natural mineral pigments" and "Crayon making", which have become an annual tradition.
In "Drawing a Kakitsubata using natural mineral pigments", you will learn about classical Japanese painting techniques and their history using traditional painting materials. Enjoy an authentic experience where you can feel the spirit that has been passed down through generations.
Anyone from children to adults, regardless of age or experience, can participate, including those who are not familiar with art and art materials, and those who want to explore Japanese art history and classical techniques anew.
In "Crayon Making", parents and children can create their own original crayon set while communicating with each other.
By learning about the origins of the art materials that we use casually and the characteristics of materials, and by using our senses of sight, touch, and smell to interact with various materials, we are sure that our interest in manufacturing and creativity will further expand.
In this season, when you can feel the budding of fresh greenery, the scenery of the city becomes more vivid. As the seasons change, why not enjoy the depth of the world of colors and spend time immersing yourself in art?
The sparkle of natural mineral pigments and traditional techniques
From May to June, the iris flower blooms with the arrival of the refreshing season, and has been popular as an early summer flower since ancient times.
The first thing we would like to introduce to you is this special course that is held only at this time of year, coinciding with the blooming of the iris flowers.
Workshop Overview
[Golden Week] Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers-
Event dates: April 25th (Sat), May 6th (Wed), 2026
Time: 13:00 –16:30
Location: PIGMENT TOKYO
Tuition fee: General ¥11,000 (tax included, material cost included)
Target age: 5 years old and above
Reservation start date and time: Reservation page will be released from 12:00 on Sunday, March 1, 2026
Reservation:
April 25 (Sat) : Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers- April 25.2026
May 6 (Wed) : Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers- May 6.2026
*Note
Although this workshop will be delivered in Japanese, English course materials are available.
If this sounds like working for you, you are welcome to join our workshops.
*Please check each reservation page for details.
*What to bring: Nothing in particular
*Age restriction: 5 years old or older (people of all ages are participating)
*In the course, we will use glue, an animal-based adhesive.
We have gum arabic (sap) available as an alternative, so please ask your instructor if you would like one.
◾️Production/Lecture
We will provide classroom lectures to learn about the lineage of the Rinpa school, which established an era in Japanese art, and learn both theoretical and practical techniques, such as traditional methods of kneading paint, adjusting density, and handling tools.
For coloring, I use the natural mineral pigments "Gunjo" and "Rokusho" used by Korin Ogata to depict the iris flowers.
Natural mineral pigments are pigments made by crushing natural stones into particles. Gunjo is made from azurite, and Rokusho is made from malachite.
Mineral pigments are manufactured by dividing the raw materials into about 10 levels (particle size), and the color tone changes depending on the particle size. Even if mineral pigments are made from the same natural material, the coarser the pigment, the darker the color, and the finer the pigment, the whitish the color.
This is a course where you can experience the world of ancient painters by using traditional painting materials and techniques to see what colors are emitted from natural materials.
Also, at the Nezu Museum in Minami Aoyama, the national treasure "Irises folding screen" is opened to the public at this time of year, and you can enjoy the iris flowers in full bloom in the garden.
Admiring the fresh iris flowers and thinking about the works of art is a great way to enjoy classical music this season.
Special exhibition commemorating the 85th anniversary of the opening of the museum
“Korin School – National Treasure “Irises” and Followers of Ogata Korin”
Date: April 11th (Sat) – May 10th (Sun), 2026
Venue: Nezu Museum (Tokyo)
*For details of the exhibition, please seeNezu Museum homepagePlease check.
Discover the secrets of familiar art materials
Next, we will introduce a workshop for parents and children where you can experience the process of mixing ingredients such as powdered pigments and creating the familiar crayon shape. Parents and children should work together to imagine what kind of crayons they can make to increase their child's creative desire.
Workshop Overview
［Golden Week/ Family Event］Creating Original Crayons
Dates: April 29, 2026 (Wed), May 5, 2026 (Tue)
Time: 14:00 –15:30
Location: PIGMENT TOKYO
Tuition fee: ¥15,400 for 2 people (1 parent and child) (tax included, material cost included)
Target age: 5 years old and above
Reservation start date and time: Reservation page will be released from 12:00 on Sunday, March 1, 2026
Reservation:
April 29 (Wed) : Creating Original Crayons 26/04/29
May 5 (Tue) : Creating Original Crayons 26/05/05
*Note
Although this workshop will be delivered in Japanese, English course materials are available.
If this sounds like working for you, you are welcome to join our workshops.
*Please check the reservation page for details.
*Grandparents/relatives/friends can also participate in place of parents as adult guardians.
*Children in the lower grades of elementary school and younger require parental assistance as it involves detailed work such as "grinding" with a measuring spoon.
*Preschool children are also welcome to attend, but please note the above precautions.
*Aprons and rubber gloves are provided, but please come in clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
(Apron: One size fits all for adults/Children can also wear it by adjusting the length of the string)
◾️Demonstration: 20 minutes (14:00–14:20)
The instructor will provide a step-by-step demonstration of the process and explain the materials used in order. You may see some materials for the first time, such as pigments (color powders) and beeswax.
Although there are many steps involved, take your time to observe carefully in preparation for your own experience later on. Once the demonstration is done, it will be time for everyone to begin their own crayon-making.
There are three types of pigments.
You will also have the opportunity to create unique colors through the mixing of these materials, allowing you to experience the fascinating aspects of color theory.
◾️Crayon Making Experience: 70 minutes (14:20–15:30)
Firstly, add the pigments, wax and oil in the correct proportions, then mix the mixture while gently warming it.
Here, we will perform the grinding process to ensure that the ingredients fit in the correct amount.
Once the ingredients are melted and well mixed, pour the mixture into a mold and let it cool down.
When pushing it out, it comes out in the shape of a crayon we are familiar with.
Let's do a test drawing.
The color appeared nicely on the paper.
At last, you can put it in a special box to bring it back home with you.
Handmade art materials can be very memorable.
It would also be a great time to make a drawing with your family after going home.
[Regularly Scheduled] PIGMENT TOKYO WORKSHOPS
At PIGMENT TOKYO, we hold workshops regularly, not only during Golden Week, but also because we want as many people as possible to learn about art supplies and experience the joy of using them.
``Watercolor paint making'' deepens your understanding of pigments and paints by making watercolor paints.
``Drawing flowers with mineral pigments'' uses natural mineral pigments and glue to depict seasonal flowers.
``Create the night sky with foil'' where you can experience traditional foil techniques.
All of these courses are introductory courses, so those who are interested in art supplies and Japanese art can take part as a first step.
In addition to the courses introduced here, we also plan to hold various workshops from time to time.
By encountering various art materials and techniques, you may be able to add new color to your daily life.
Workshop Introductory
Date:
Make Your Own Watercolors (twice a month on Sundays)
Introduction to Mineral Pigments (once a month on Sundays)
Introduction to Metal Leaf (once a month on Sundays)
Reservation:https://pigment.tokyo/en/collections/workshop
*The number of times and days of the week may change. Please see the reservation page for each course for details such as dates.
We also accept inquiries about private workshops for customers who would like to take workshops on days other than those held for the general public. If you are interested, please click here.
Workshop - PIGMENT TOKYO
PIGMENT TOKYO
PIGMENT ARTICLES delivers a wide variety of information about art. You’ll find instructions on traditional painting techniques, art materials, and the latest updates on products, workshops, and events.
We invite you to explore our articles for creative inspiration and to deepen your knowledge.
PIGMENT ARTICLES delivers a wide variety of information about art. You’ll find instructions on traditional painting techniques, art materials, and the latest updates on products, workshops, and events.
We invite you to explore our articles for creative inspiration and to deepen your knowledge.