It’s cherry blossom season in Japan and at Jozi’s Hyde Park Corner, as House of Suntory gears up to host seven Saturdays of Japanese culture and craftsmanship masterclasses, from 16 March through to 27 April.
Treat your partner or a friend to one of seven Japanese culture and craftsmanship masterclasses hosted by the House Of Suntory at their latest pop-up in Hyde Park Corner.
The pop-up promises visitors the experience of Japanese culture, craftsmanship, and hospitality with daily tastings from Tuesdays to Fridays, and weekly masterclasses on Saturdays at Hyde Park Corner’s Center Court.
The daily tastings will involve food, gin and whisky pairings that reflect the “true essence of authentic Japanese flavours,” while the weekly masterclasses will range from how to do ‘furoshiki’ (Japanese gift-wrapping) and ‘ikebana’ (Japanese flower arrangement), to ‘origami’, the selection process of ‘tsukuriwake’, and the art of bonsai.
When and where?
House Of Suntory’s pop-up tastings are hosted on weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) at 13:00 and 19:00. Lunch and dinner seating allows for a group of 12 people at a time, so make sure to book a ticket in advance at R400 pp.
The masterclasses are hosted on Saturdays at 11:00. Each masterclass, spanning two hours, will include a tasting pairing experience of Roku, Toki and Hibiki, paired with a selection of canapés by KoL. Each participant will receive a complimentary bottle of Roku Gin to take home. Book a ticket in advance at R1200 per person.
Here’s a run-through of what to expect from the masterclasses:
Week 1: Saturday, 16 March — Furoshiki
The masterclass provides an overview of Japanese gift-wrapping techniques using square cloth – furoshiki. The demonstration will focus specifically on how to gift wrap bottles, or how to wrap bottles for easy carrying. Participants will each receive an empty House of Suntory test bottle and furoshiki cloth to practice wrapping.
Week 2: Saturday, 23 March — Bonsai
The masterclass provides insight into the ancient Japanese art of bonsai – cultivating miniature trees in containers. Participants will be given a brief introduction to some of the concepts behind the practice. Thereafter they will create their very own bonsai using the tools and materials provided.
Week 3: Saturday, 30 March — Origami
The masterclass provides an overview of Japanese paper folding techniques and guidance with key basic folds and shapes. Origami is the ancient art of paper-folding. It is known to be a very therapeutic activity and once it is folded it is a great green gift. Participants will receive Japanese origami papers to practice with during the demonstration as well as to take home.
Week 4: Saturday, 6 April — Ikebana
The masterclass introduces the origins of Japanese flower arrangement – ikebana – as practised by the Sogetsu School. Key principles around layout and creating balance are demonstrated, with examples showing how different plant materials can be arranged. Masterclass participants can try their hand at making a small arrangement, applying the principles as demonstrated. Basic plant materials and a container for each are included.
Week 5: Saturday, 13 April — Tsukuriwake (The Art of Blending)
The masterclass focuses on the intricate art of cask and liquid selection, highlighting how the Japanese have distinguished themselves in the whisky world through their blending techniques. Attendees will delve into the history of Japanese Whisky and explore Shinjiro Torii’s journey through the spirits industry, showcasing the innovative techniques he employed. We will uncover the sacred blending methods used across Roku, Toki, and Hibiki, emphasizing the unique characteristics of each liquid and its intended consumption styles. The session will conclude with a traditional Japanese cocktail masterclass featuring each blend.
Week 6: Saturday, 20 April — Woodblock Printing
In this masterclass, participants are introduced the process of Japanese woodblock printing (Mokuhanga) – from when the design is carved in wood, to when it is transferred in multiple colours onto paper. Some of Japan’s most famous and enduring artworks were produced by woodblock print artists, such as The Great Wave by Hokusai. Each participant will be guided through the colour printing process, choosing from a pre-carved selection of woodblocks to make their own print to take home.
Week 7: Saturday, 27 April — Furoshiki
The masterclass provides an overview of Japanese gift-wrapping techniques using square cloth – furoshiki. The demonstration will focus specifically on how to gift wrap bottles, or how to wrap bottles for easy carrying. Participants will each receive an empty House of Suntory test bottle and furoshiki cloth to practice wrapping.
The pop-up will end on Saturday 27 April.
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Unsplash
