Last Updated on August 26, 2025
At PIGMENT TOKYO, one of our core missions has always been to share the beauty and importance of art materials with the world. Among international artists, there is a particularly strong interest in traditional Japanese art materials and techniques. In response to this global demand, we have expanded opportunities to share our knowledge beyond the regular introductory workshops and private sessions offered at our Tokyo store for individuals, groups, and organizations.
One of the most frequently requested topics involves delicate and distinctive techniques that are rarely seen outside of Japan, such as iwa-enogu (mineral pigments), gold and silver leafing and urauchi (traditional paper backing).
In December 2024, PIGMENT TOKYO was invited by the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) in Los Angeles to conduct a mineral pigment workshop for local residents and to showcase a selection of our products for sale.
In this article, we’ll take a look back at the event and also introduce our products currently available at JACCC in Los Angeles.
Background
JACCC, located in the heart of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, promotes Japanese and Japanese American art and culture both within the local community and beyond.
As part of its mission to pass down living traditions to future generations, JACCC creates spaces where people from diverse regions and backgrounds can connect through a variety of cultural programs and experiences.
This time, JACCC hosted a mineral pigment workshop that coincided with the period of PST ART (Pacific Standard Time: Art x Science x LA), a large-scale art event across California’s art scene, though it was not officially connected to the event.
PST ART is a major art project led by the Getty Foundation in collaboration with more than 45 cultural institutions across Southern California. The project explores the intersection of past and present through diverse artistic expressions.
Summary
Reception
Date： December 6 (Fri), 2024
Details： Introduction to art projects by Warehouse TERRADA, including PIGMENT TOKYO
During the reception, we’re honored to have a diverse group of guests joining us! Including local artists, restoration experts, art directors, and professionals in art education, all sharing an interest in traditional Japanese art materials.
PIGMENT TOKYO has prepared interactive tables where guests can experiment with original effect watercolors, sumi ink, inkstones, and various types of paintbrushes.
Guests were invited to try out original watercolor samples made with effect pigments.
In Los Angeles, finding traditional Japanese art materials, such as mineral pigments (iwa-enogu) and related supplies, can be quite challenging. That's why, during this event, we decided to showcase a carefully curated selection of mineral pigment sets and brushes, typically difficult to obtain in the area. These exceptional items were made available for the participants to purchase.
Some of the most popular items from the event are still available for purchase at the JACCC’s physical store and through their online store, “PIGMENT TOKYO – MISE.”
If you're in the area, we highly recommend you visit MISE at JACCC. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore exquisite art materials and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Japanese art.
Among the items available, our top pick is the PIGMENT SELECT Japanese Painting Set /Natural12, exclusive to MISE and PIGMENT TOKYO. The set includes a small package of natural mineral pigments, animal glue solution (nikawa), painting brushes, and a plum-shaped palette designed for mixing small amounts of paint. This set is the perfect entry point for those just starting to explore mineral pigments.
Moreover, the store offers a wide selection of carefully chosen art supplies from PIGMENT TOKYO, including pigments and binders essential for Nihonga (Japanese painting) and watercolor painting. It also features high-quality brushes from Nakasato Co., a long-established Kyoto brush maker, as well as brushes made entirely from bamboo by Namura Taiseido Co.
*Please note that PIGMENT TOKYO – MISE is a pop-up store, and products are available only while supplies last.
*These products are also available at PIGMENT TOKYO’s physical store and online shop. Excluding exclusive items.
Feel free to choose the materials that resonate with your creative vision and immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Japanese art materials!
JACCC Online Store PIGMENT TOKYO– MISE (external site)
PIGMENT TOKYO Online Store
Workshop
Date: December 7 (Sat) and December 8 (Sun), 2024
Workshop: Painting Winter Peonies with Mineral Pigments
Participants: 20 people (10 participants per workshop)
Instructors: Atsumi Okano and Natsumi Yamasato (PIGMENT TOKYO)
Instructor: Atsumi Okano (PIGMENT TOKYO)
Instructor: Natsumi Yamasato (PIGMENT TOKYO), pictured on the right
The workshops were a great success and full of energy, attended by many participants who are deeply engaged in and passionate about art daily, including artists, ceramists, and art students.
Some participants had even previously visited PIGMENT TOKYO in Japan or attended the "Introduction to Metal Leaf Workshop," making this event a valuable opportunity to see how our project has expanded here in Los Angeles.
We also received many questions from the participants about the unique characteristics of washi paper and its traditional sizing technique called "dosa" (method to prevent ink bleeding), reflecting a strong interest in Japan’s distinctive art materials and methods.
Although for most participants, it was their first experience using mineral pigments (iwa-enogu), they enjoyed the process and produced wonderful works that reflected their unique artistic styles.
Many shared their excitement about how this experience sparked new ideas and inspiration, broadening their perspectives on techniques they are eager to explore in the future.
Mixing natural mineral pigments and animal glue
If you’re interested in our introduction workshops, such as mineral pigments and gilding techniques, held at PIGMENT TOKYO, please check out the following link and articles for more!
PIGMENT TOKYO Workshops
PIGMENT TOKYO also offers traveling workshops on art materials and techniques, available both in Japan and overseas. These workshops can be flexibly customised to accommodate a wide range of participants, including enthusiasts of Japanese art and materials as well as artists, cultural heritage restorers and experts from various fields.
If you are interested in collaborating on a workshop experience, feel free to reach out to us for more information!
For reference, feel free to take a look at the following article for the basic information about private workshops (for individuals, companies, and organizations).
Past Workshop Programs Conducted in Japan and Abroad
Workshop（Bhutan)
Collaborative Projects with Art Museums
PIGMENT TOKYO
Private Workshop Information for Corporate and Organizational Clients
Private Workshop for Corporate Customers
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center（JACCC）
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
Translated by Atsumi Okano, Nelson Hor Ee Herng
PIGMENT TOKYO Art Materials Experts
PIGMENT TOKYO
Natsuko Shiraishi
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.
Favorite matière: Paper, dynamic moves of wood fiber
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.
Favorite matière: Paper, dynamic moves of wood fiber
PIGMENT TOKYO
Atsumi Okano
Completed her post-baccalaureate program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Painting and Drawing.
While working with PIGMENT ARTICLES mainly as a translator, she also creates paintings and installations with translucent materials as an artist.
Favorite matière: Interaction of intentionality and coincidence created by the layers of transparent materials and colors.
Completed her post-baccalaureate program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Painting and Drawing.
While working with PIGMENT ARTICLES mainly as a translator, she also creates paintings and installations with translucent materials as an artist.
Favorite matière: Interaction of intentionality and coincidence created by the layers of transparent materials and colors.
PIGMENT TOKYO
Natsumi Yamasato
Completed her doctoral degree at the Kyoto University of Art and Design (Fine Arts). She is a part-time lecturer at the Kyoto University of Art and Design.
As an artist, her research and artworks are centered on pure gold leaf.
Favorite matière: Shimmering textures seen in natural light
Completed her doctoral degree at the Kyoto University of Art and Design (Fine Arts). She is a part-time lecturer at the Kyoto University of Art and Design.
As an artist, her research and artworks are centered on pure gold leaf.
Favorite matière: Shimmering textures seen in natural light