Wagashi Sweets Making Workshop | 2-Hour Single Session
*Includes three designs and complimentary tea
Up to 15 participants
*Includes three designs and complimentary tea
Up to 15 participants
*Includes three designs and complimentary tea
Up to 15 participants
Discover the art of wagashi—traditional Asian confections rooted in centuries of cultural exchange and refined through ritual, mindfulness, and seasonal awareness. This hands-on workshop, led by Oshiriai Studio, offers participants a guided experience in sculpting, molding, and decorating these edible works of art.
Wagashi’s origins trace back to ancient Chinese sweets brought to Japan during the Tang and Song dynasties. Over time, influenced by Zen Buddhism, tea culture, and European confections, wagashi evolved into a distinct form during Japan’s Edo period. Today, each piece embodies harmony between nature and craftsmanship. All materials will be prepared in advance, allowing participants to focus fully on the meditative techniques of creation. More than a culinary experience, this workshop invites reflection on impermanence, beauty, and the intimate relationship between food, season, and self.
In this special edition of the wagashi workshop, participants will craft three exquisite nerikiri confections inspired by Zhuo Xiong’s solo exhibition at Fou Gallery. Drawing from the colors and forms of Xiong’s paintings, each confection becomes a tribute to his exploration of identity, migration, and transformation. From the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the complexities of life in New York, Xiong’s work reflects a dynamic tension between adaptation and rootedness. Designed by Oshiriai Studio, the confections echo the artist’s cultural and material heritage—inviting participants to translate these layered narratives into delicate, edible expressions that honor both nature’s beauty and the resilience of the human spirit.
*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.
Artist: Zhuo Xiong (b. 1988, Inner Mongolia, China) After graduating with his B.F.A. from the Guangzhou Academy of Art in 2016, Xiong went on to earn his M.F.A. at the Royal College of Art in London in 2018. His work has since been exhibited at Shekou Gallery, Shenzhen (2024); OM Gallery, Shanghai (2023); Leo Gallery, Shanghai (2022); Courtauld Institute of Art, London (2021); and LVS Gallery, Seoul (2020). He currently lives and works in New York. Xiong’s work draws deeply from his childhood as an ethnic minority growing up in a nomadic region of Inner Mongolia during China’s assimilation policies. Marked by the region’s transition from traditional nomadism during the assimilation policy period, his practice navigates the tensions between cultural heritage and modernization. He works primarily with materials tied to the pastoral lifestyle—such as felt, sheepskin, cowhide, rabbit fur, and mineral pigments—integrating them with painting to evoke memory, resistance, and transformation.
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 workshop, all payments are final and cannot be refunded.
