Photo by Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art and Craft Museum

Photo by Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art and Craft Museum

Photo by Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art and Craft Museum

  • Kataezome is a traditional Japanese method of dyeing fabric, one that fascinates people all over the world. Even if you have little interest in traditional crafts, you’ve definitely seen the kataezome technique used on kimono or textiles. The works of Keisuke Serizawa are true masterpieces of kataezome. In fact, he was designated a Living National Treasure by the national government in honor of his kataezome work. You can see his famous designs here in Sendai, at a museum run by Tohoku Fukushi University and conveniently located next to Sendai Station.

    The museum displays a wide range of Serizawa’s work: kimono, textile accessories (like furoshiki and noren), interior design pieces, and paintings. Serizawa’s vivid, colorful designs, despite being inspired by traditional craft, look surprisingly modern. Maybe this is because Keisuke Serizawa found inspiration in many places and brilliantly combined the new with the old. That’s a practice all of us could benefit from, and you have a chance to learn how right here at this museum!

    The museum also offers rotating special exhibitions throughout the year. During these special exhibitions, crafting workshops related to the art on display are offered, teaching participants how to make their own uchiwa fans, kataezome-dyed postcards, and more. The workshops are beginner-friendly and accessible enough even for children to enjoy.

    Local Voice

    For those who don’t have time for a workshop, I recommend checking out the museum shop. My first visit there resulted in a massive purchase of handkerchiefs, postcards and other goods, later given to family as gifts. It’s a good place to buy souvenirs for others as well as yourself!

  • Last Update
    April 1, 2020

    Area Sendai

Details

ADDRESS

1 Chome-8-1 Kunimi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8522

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

5-minute walk from Tohokufukushidai-mae Station (Senzan Line)

ADMISSION

Museum entry: ¥500 adults, free college & vocational school students, children ages high school & younger free
Workshops: Varies by craft

CREDIT CARDS

Not accepted

LANGUAGES

Limited English

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Yes

HOURS

10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)

CLOSED DAYS

Sundays*, holidays, university entrance exam days, the New Year's holiday period, and whenever exhibits are being rotated
*If Monday is a public holiday, the museum will be open Monday and closed the following day.

PHONE

022-717-3318

OFFICIAL URL

https://www.tfu.ac.jp/kogeikan/