Suminagashi: Japanese Ink Marbling Class

Discover Suminagashi in NYC and create one-of-a-kind floating ink art prints!



1 hour Location East Village Class size 1 to 20 (public classes), 8 to 30   $60 ($300 per class surcharge applies for private classes)
NYC Activities
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Art
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Fluid Art
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Japanese Culture
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Kids activities Experience Gifts
Originating in Japan more than 800 years ago, Suminagashi literally means “floating ink.” This elegant technique was first enjoyed in the Heian period (794–1185) as a courtly pastime, where artists and nobles would marvel at the delicate, ever-changing patterns created on water.
In this class, you will learn how to gently drop ink onto the surface of water and guide the ripples with your breath, brushes, or even the subtlest movements of air. The resulting designs are then transferred onto washi paper and even onto fabric items such as handkerchiefs, creating one-of-a-kind works of art.
Because the process is simple, children can also enjoy taking part. Each print captures a fleeting moment, never to be repeated, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of impermanence and beauty in transience.
Whether you are interested in traditional arts, meditation through creative practice, or simply wish to explore a new form of expression, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with history while creating your own modern interpretations of this ancient craft.

Upcoming dates for Suminagashi: Japanese Ink Marbling Class

Times are New York time. Dates and prices as of 14 Nov 2026, 9:33pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

2 upcoming dates between 21 Nov 2026 and 19 Dec 2026.

  • Sat, Nov 21 2026, 11am-12pm
  • Sat, Dec 19 2026, 11am-12pm
What you'll get
  • Their own ink-marbled masterpiece to bring home!
  • Custom designs on fabric items like handkerchiefs
  • Experience of guiding ink and observing patterns on water
  • Sense of connection to Japanese history and appreciation of impermanence
Read more details   
Knowledge required
All skill levels are welcome!
What to bring
  • Themselves!
  • Enthusiasm to learn
  • An open mind
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or bachelorette party.

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 8 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mom, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

RESOBOX East Village - 91 East 3rd Street, New York, NY

This venue is within walking distance of 2 Av and Bleecker St stations

Your teacher can also travel within 10 miles of East Village, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Suminagashi: Japanese Ink Marbling Class location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Suminagashi: Japanese Ink Marbling Class

  • 5/5 from Cathryn Yongue, attended Nov 2026: The class was perfect, my team loved it! It was the right amount of time, and we got to leave with beautiful art without it being too challenging. It was relaxing and creative. Thank you!
  • 5/5 from Brian Galán, attended Jul 2026: So fun! My husband and I came last because of some horrible rain, and they were so nice and welcoming. It’s a very fun class; easy to learn but so satisfying.
  • 5/5 from Shana Cohen, attended Jun 2026: Took my team here for an outing and it was a really wonderful experience. The teacher was very knowledgeable and kind. Super fun day!
  • 5/5 from Kate Schutzengel, attended Feb 2026: We really enjoyed our Suminagashi class. Everyone agreed that it was extremely meditative and very easy to get started. Would highly recommend for a fun group activity.
  • 5/5 from Raquel Ledezma-Haight, attended Dec 2025: We had a great experience with this class! Perfect as a team activity for work. The instructor did a great job walking us through the history and ethos of Suminagashi before we got hands-on, which made the experience feel really thoughtful and meaningful. Creating the pieces ourselves was calming, engaging, and surprisingly meditative! It helped our team slow down and connect in a different way. We were all able to take home 3-4 pieces we'd made on paper and cloth. I’d highly recommend this class for team events or anyone looking for a creative, grounding experience!
Your teacher

Resobox
Resobox

4.9 (172)

RESOBOX is a Japanese cultural center located in New York City, offering a variety of Japanese cultural classes and events at its venue and online.
The center serves as a gathering place for individuals who are knowledgeable about, committed to, and influenced by Japanese culture. It enables them to create innovative art through collaboration and disseminate their creations to a global audience.
The founders of RESOBOX believe that by supporting these artists as our instructors and partners, a truly innovative and sophisticated Japanese culture can evolve, resonating with individuals around the world.

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