Student Lounge KIZUNA's January event was a Japanese top making workshop held at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.
The class began with a brief lecture by the Center staff on the history and composition of Kyo koma , or Kyoto-style tops. Each participant then chose four colored cotton ribbons, and worked on wrapping them around a spindle. All students eventually completed the delicate task, and went on to varnish the ribbons in place. Everyone waited until the coating was dry and then took the finished tops home as souvenirs. Kyo koma are popular as both toys and good-luck ornaments, their smooth spinning motion regarded as symbolizing the smooth running of affairs.
The event provided a great opportunity for all to experience a traditional Japanese craft while making new friends.
Applying varnish to tops
Workshop in session
Wrapping colorful cotton threads around a rod
Workshop participants
Related links
- Event details (concluded)
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/current/events_news/office/kyoiku-suishin-gakusei-shien/kokusai-kyoiku-koryu/event/2019/200124_1350.html - Student Lounge KIZUNA
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education-campus/facilities/student-lounge-kizuna/index.html - Past KIZUNA events
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education-campus/facilities/student-lounge-kizuna/events/index.html
