Tenkoku Japanese Stamp Making Events

In February and March we ran a series of Japanese stamp making classes – called Tenkoku 篆刻 – in the Glasgow area of Scotland, kindly sponsored by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, helping people discover the traditional Japanese stamp making process. These inspiring cultural groups were held in Charing Cross (Kagyu Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Centre, in association with Glasgow Zen Group), Ruchill Pavilion and Maryhill Hub (with North United Communities) for adults and also young people from the communities.

Blair led the events and firstly introduced participants to the history of Tenkoku seal engraving, and discussed how stamp making in general and particularly Tenkoku is applied in modern Japan, with a focus on the very varied use of stamps in Japanese arts and also Zen practice, which Blair has studied in Tokyo and other parts of Japan, relating his learning and cultural experiences.

Next there were demonstrations of the traditional tools, materials and techniques, working with the tensho and inten stamp styles with examples, and help for each person to create their own personal design, before transferring these onto the face of pyrophyllite stone stamps (which takes some time and care!).

Together we enjoyed the careful, meditative process of carving the stone, then inking the stone with the deep red inde pigment and pressing on the fine Japanese washi paper to create the inei 印影 impression. We immersed ourselves in the moment and noticed the lovely sense of touch of the stone in our hands and the lively lines and the deep spaces of the carving.

There was a super sense of concentration and enjoyment around the tables as the people taking part had a great time embracing the process of the stamp making. The free events were fully subscribed and we were surprised by the positive feedback – most people especially liked the creative part of the process and learning how to make the kanji and katakana characters into a harmonic and appealing design.

Well done to everyone who took part and thanks to the folks who kindly helped us set up and clear up at each event, also deep thanks to the The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation for making the events possible.