• Cozy Ink Company will host the workshop on January 22

Clareto Monsorate

DUBAI: Washi is no ordinary paper however — it is handmade, thicker, and more pliable than regular paper. “Washi” translates to “Japanese paper,” “Wa” meaning “Japanese,” and “Shi” meaning “paper.”

Washi often has intricate designs on it, which is what gives it decorative value. Washi eggs aren’t just for Easter either — they are a timeless decoration, and a fun family activity.

The art form made its way to the West through American naval bases in Japan. The sailors there would come home for Easter, and bring with them the Japanese eggs to give as gifts and decorations.

In the west, these eggs were quite a hit, with several magazines writing about them. In fact, Washi eggs became so popular that monthly Washi workshops were introduced for Marines stationed in Japan — a tradition that stands to this day.

“Aside from being fun to make, they tend to last way longer than (normal) decorated eggs,” says Michiko Urasaki, the erstwhile public relations officer for Camp Kinser, Japan.

However, there’s no need to start looking for flights to Japan just yet — you can attend a Washi egg workshop right here in Dubai.

On the Jan. 22, the Cozy Ink Company will be hosting a Washi egg art workshop in Dubai. It will be held at Redwood Avenue, C18, near the Jumeirah Golf Estates and Country Club from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

The price is AED 120 and all materials will be provided on the day, with light refreshments. At the workshop, you will make 3 different Washi eggs that you can take home with you.

You can reach out to the Cozy Ink Company on Instagram (@companycozynk) or Facebook (@CozyInkCo).