Wagashi Sweets Making Workshop
2-Hour Single Session
Date
Saturday, January 24, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Saturday, January 24, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Sunday, January 25, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Sunday, January 25, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Price
$90
*Includes three designs and complimentary tea
*Up to 8 participants per session
*Private group sessions for this workshop are available. For inquiries, please contact echoyuhe@fougallery.com
In conjunction with the exhibition In the woods, might be late—artist Meng Du’s poetic meditation on how the quiet life of her garden has reshaped her ways of seeing—Fou Gallery is delighted to host a special wagashi workshop with Oshiriai Studio.
The exhibition proposes a slower, humbler mode of coexistence with botanical life. Through the luminosity and fragility of glass, Du reveals an imagination that can never fully grasp the otherness of plants, yet remains tenderly committed to observing, tending, and continually trying to understand. Echoing these themes, this workshop invites participants to explore wagashi—traditional handmade confections shaped by centuries of seasonal awareness, craftsmanship, and quiet contemplation. Under the guidance of Oshiriai Studio, participants will craft three nerikiri confections inspired by key elements in the exhibition: the playful personalities of the plants in Du’s garden, the poetic tension between care and control, and the layered relationships between humans and the vegetal world.
Drawing from the forms and textures seen in works such as We Are the Coming Forest and Du’s mosaic series of glass “thorns,” each confection becomes a delicate reflection on growth, resilience, interdependence, and the fragile negotiations between species. As in Du’s sculptures, which hold both human projection and botanical mystery, these edible creations encourage a mindful, hands-on engagement with nature’s wisdom.
More than a culinary activity, this workshop is an invitation to slow down, to notice the poetic details of plant life, and to contemplate how imagination—however imperfect—helps us stay attentive to the worlds that surround us.
*All course materials will be provided. Just bring your curiosity and openness to enjoy the experience!
Instructor
Oshiriai Wagashi Studio (instagram: @_oshiriai_wagashi) is a New York-based wagashi atelier founded in 2023 by Xinxin He, a dedicated confectionery artist trained in the Ika-ryu school of Japanese wagashi. After beginning her journey in modern wagashi under Lai Xuanni in 2021, Xinxin became an apprentice to renowned master Junichi Mitsubori—founder of Ika-ryu and third-generation heir of the IZUMIYA brand—whose artistry has been recognized by institutions such as Asia Society and the Japanese Consulate in New York. At Oshiriai Studio, Xinxin carries forward the refined techniques of the Ika-ryu tradition while developing her own signature style, characterized by subtle flavors, refined textures, and sculptural beauty.
Related Exhibition
Payment and Cancellation Policy
At Fou Gallery, we are dedicated to offering meaningful and enriching experiences through our courses. Due to the intimate nature of our programs and the detailed planning required with our instructors, we kindly ask for your understanding of our non-refundable policy. Once registered for a course, all payments are final and cannot be refunded.
