Organizer Information
TOMA Unrestored (Toma House AIR) is an artist residency located in Nara, Japan, housed in a registered 18th-century Shinto priest’s residence. The organization works in collaboration with Seikadou, a century-old mounting studio from Osaka, and Bunkazaihozon Co. Ltd., one of the few studios in Japan accredited to restore National Treasures. TOMA Unrestored focuses on "unrestored" heritage—preserving the spiritual and aesthetic cycle of traditional Japanese architecture while providing a contemporary space for artistic research and craftsmanship.
Title & Description
2026 Hyogu Residency: The Art of Paper Mounting and Framing
This four-week immersive program focuses on Hyogu—the traditional Japanese craft of mounting and framing paper-based artworks. Residents will learn the technical and aesthetic systems of Kakejiku (hanging scrolls), completing two scrolls from start to finish. The residency bridges historical restoration and modern artistic practice, encouraging participants to integrate these 8th-century techniques into their future work. The experience is enhanced by the quiet, sacred atmosphere of Nara, the heart of Japan's traditional ink and paper production.
Categories
Paper Art, Fine Art, Calligraphy, Conservation & Restoration, Visual Art, Craft, and Design.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply: Artists, craftspeople, curators, researchers, and designers.
- Experience Level: No prior experience in Hyogu is required, though a strong interest in hand-mounting or conservation is recommended.
- Internationality: Open to global applicants.
- Language: Bilingual support (English-Japanese) is provided during technical lessons.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Technical Training: 8 days of professional Kakejiku mounting instruction by Seikadou masters.
- Workshops: 2 days of Nara Sumi ink painting workshops and a special lecture on National Treasure restoration.
- Field Trips: 5 curated trips to local studios, material suppliers, and cultural sites.
- Materials & Tools: A professional set of mounting tools (to keep) and all materials for two scrolls.
- Resources: An exclusive English-language Hyogu Handbook.
- Accommodation: 28 days of private accommodation in a historic Shinto priest's house (Toma House) or the newly renovated annex (Toma Beige).
Application Fee
This is a self-funded residency. Program fees vary by accommodation choice:
- Spring Session: From 693,000 JPY (~$4,600 USD).
- Autumn Session: From 793,000 JPY (~$5,300 USD).
- Note: The organizers provide documentation to support artists applying for external grants/funding.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online form, including:
- Personal & Professional Info: CV and background.
- Portfolio/Work Samples: Demonstrating current artistic practice.
- Statement of Intent: Detailing why you want to learn Hyogu and how it fits your future projects.
- Selection: Candidates are assessed and offered places on a rolling basis.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadlines:
- Spring Session: 30 January 2026
- Autumn Session: 9 May 2026
- Residency Periods:
- Spring: May 9 – June 5, 2026.
- Autumn: November 7 – December 4, 2026.
Location
Nara, Japan
Additional Details
The program is highly structured, with 11 days of formal lessons interspersed with field trips and self-guided studio time. Artists may bring their own artwork to mount for their second scroll (max width 600mm), provided the materials can withstand the traditional gluing and soaking process.