[Kinkarakami Institute] Experience the World of Kinkarakami at the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei This Autumn

From Saturday, November 1 to Monday, November 17, 2025, an exhibition will be held at the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens (Taito City) in memory of the late Takashi Ueda, founder of the Kinkarakami Institute, who devoted his life to the restoration and reproduction of Important Cultural Properties. Around twenty works from the Kinkarakami Institute’s collection will be displayed on the second floor of the Western-style residence, with some pieces also exhibited in Room 3 of the Japanese-style residence.

During the Meiji era, kinkarakawashi— decorative wallpaper that uses Japanese washi paper to replicate gilded leather—captivated the West with its lavish decorative beauty. In 1983, while working on the restoration of the Former Otaru Branch of Nippon Yusen shipping company, an Important Cultural Property, Ueda was inspired by the desire to preserve this endangered craft. Two years later, he founded the Kinkarakami Institute. After extensive research and experimentation, he revived the art for the modern age under the name kinkarakami, enhancing traditional kinkarakawashi techniques with his own innovations. His work included the restoration and reproduction of wallpapers for numerous Important Cultural Properties, such as the Western-style residence and billiards room of the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, and he actively promoted awareness of kinkarakami through exhibitions and workshops both in Japan and abroad.

The Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens preserve part of the original Meiji-era estate, including a Japanese-style residence, a Western-style residence, and a billiards room. Of particular note is the wallpaper in the billiards room, designed by architect Josiah Conder, best known for the Rokumeikan. The restoration was carried out by Mai Ebata, Ueda’s granddaughter and current head of the Kinkarakami Institute, alongside Ueda himself during his lifetime.

Why not stop by and take a moment to enjoy the deepening colors of autumn at this Important Cultural Property, discover the refined beauty, history, and culture of kinkarakami, and reflect on the importance of preserving, restoring, and maintaining Japan’s cultural heritage?

【Details】
Enjoying Kinkarakami at the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei
November 1 (Sat)–17 (Mon), 2025
Venue: Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, 1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito City, Tokyo; Western-style residence second floor (with select works displayed in Room 3 of the Japanese-style residence)
Admission: Free (garden admission fee required)
In cooperation with: Kinkarakami Institute, Edo Tokyo Kirari Project
Further information: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/event_search/10_11_11_24.html

◼️Products handled by the Edo Tokyo Kirari online store
https://www.store.kirari.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/category/select/bid/49

◼️Kinkarakami Institute
Official website
https://kinkarakami.com