Do I need prior experience?

No—this workshop is designed for beginners; the instructor starts with fundamentals and builds to composing a finished piece.

Are materials provided?

Yes; sumi ink, brushes, paper, and inkstones are included in the booking price.

Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves you can roll up; avoid anything you wouldn't want to risk getting ink on.

Is the class wheelchair accessible?

Contact the organizer via the booking link for specific accessibility details for the studio location.

Will instruction be in English?

Yes; sessions are taught in English with cultural notes about Japanese calligraphy.

Can I take my finished work on a plane?

Yes—dry pieces can be packed in a flat portfolio; allow extra drying time if a piece feels damp.

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop in Dublin: The Way of the Brush with Juju Kurihara | Workshop

On a quiet weekend in Dublin, a six-hour Japanese calligraphy workshop with Juju Kurihara turns a city afternoon into an exercise in focus and craft. The class meets in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland, where a compact studio becomes a place to learn shodo—the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy—direct from an experienced instructor. Participants work with sumi ink, bamboo brushes, and mulberry paper to practice strokes, characters, and composition while guided through technique and the underlying philosophy. The session places equal weight on practical instruction and the meditative rhythm of brushwork. Juju Kurihara introduces foundational tools: the fude (brush), sumi (ink stick and liquid ink), suzuri (inkstone), and hanshi (calligraphy paper). You'll learn how to grind ink, hold the brush with proper posture, and move through classic kanji and kana forms. The workshop emphasizes line economy and breath coordination; small corrections from the instructor refine your wrist motion and timing until characters begin to hold shape. Studio lighting, low tables, and quiet concentration make the room feel deliberate and calm—qualities that suit the historical roots of calligraphy. Shodo evolved over centuries from Chinese calligraphic traditions and became a disciplined art and practice in Japan; instructors often weave short cultural notes into lessons, explaining brush styles and customary formats for scrolls and wall-hung pieces. For visitors to Dublin, this is a rare chance to handle authentic materials and learn an East Asian discipline in a European capital. Materials are included, so you leave with original work—often a finished piece suitable for framing—and a basic familiarity with tools to continue practice at home. The rhythm of the class suits beginners: no previous experience is required, but students who arrive with patience and an appetite for repetition get the most from the day. The six-hour format balances technique drills, short demonstrations, and creative time for composing a personal piece. Beyond technique, the workshop connects to Dublin's broader creative scene: local artists and cultural institutions host cross-cultural programs that bring traditional crafts into contemporary practice. For travelers, it's a focused, tactile alternative to walking tours—an indoor, hands-on encounter that rewards attention and yields a tangible keepsake. Whether you're drawn by aesthetics, mindfulness, or a desire to try something completely different in Dublin, this workshop offers a memorable, grounding half-day immersed in line, ink, and quiet concentration. The format also suits travelers who want cultural depth in a single session: small class sizes allow individualized feedback, and the instructor explains meanings behind chosen characters so your finished work carries significance. Materials are supplied, so it's easy to continue practicing with local inks and papers. After class, explore nearby galleries or take a stroll along the River Liffey to extend a quiet creative day into Dublin's streets.

About National Print Museum

The National Print Museum in Dublin preserves and presents the history and craft of printing for visitors of all ages. Located in Dublin, County Dublin, the museum offers guided tours, family activities, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations that showcase historic printing equipment and contemporary graphic design. Exhibits include working machines and archival material that illustrate the development of movable type and mechanical printing from Gutenberg-era influences to modern letterpress practice.

Visitors can join structured experiences such as a Family-Friendly Tour that lets children create printed posters and printer’s hats, a Guided Historical Tour that features an original 1916 Proclamation and printing demonstrations, and specialised workshops like letterpress Christmas card sessions for beginners. Monthly live demonstrations are conducted by retired printers who operate machines such as the Linotype and Wharfdale press, making complex processes accessible and engaging.

The museum also hosts illustrated talks and design-focused events, connecting historical printing techniques with Irish graphic design movements. On-site café service offers homemade food and refreshments for a comfortable visit. Educational programmes accommodate school groups and families, while workshops welcome adults seeking practical print skills.

As a dedicated cultural institution, the National Print Museum prioritises conservation, interpretation, and public engagement. Information is provided by experienced staff and volunteers, and activities are designed to be informative, hands-on, and safe. The museum’s combination of original artefacts, working machinery, and instructional experiences makes it a reliable destination for anyone interested in the history and practice of printing. Visit to explore prints, learn skills, and appreciate craftsmanship today.

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop in Dublin: The Way of the Brush with Juju Kurihara

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