Tatebanko: The lost art of paper Dioramas

Hi everyone! how are you today? Today, we look at a recent interest of mine: Tatebanko.

Tatebanko is the Japanese art of making dioramas out of paper. Typically the diorama is housed inside a paper box and portrays some kind of scene. It was very popular in the 17th century but fell to the wayside and was almost lost to time. But, in recent years it has gained a revival and we can enjoy this wonderful pursuit with very little materials. We generally need a ruler, scissors, and paper glue (white glue) or glue stick. The ones I have are copies of traditional woodblock art, called Ukiyo-e, which happen to be my favourite art pieces now.   

Hokusai: The great wave off Kanegawa

This is possibly the most iconic of all Ukiyo-e artworks. Essentially, the set comes in an A4 sized pack as seen above. With a paper cutter, white glue and a certain amount of profanity, I managed to complete it.

The artwork goes around the box as well, and yes, I made mistakes... well spotted.

A zoom in to see the layout which creates the 3D effect. Mount Fuji can be seen in the back. Can you spot it?

 A copy of the orginal artwork at the back of the box.

Hakone: View of the lake

Hakone is one of the most scenic spots in Japan and it is rather near Tokyo. The artist managed to capture the atmosphere of the mountains wonderfully. Hakone is on the Tokaido road, a road which cuts across Japan from Kyushu to Hokkaido. It is a dream of mine to travel that road one day. But for now, we can always visit Hakone via the Odakyu Romance Car train from Shinjuku, Tokyo.

 Can you spot Mount Fuji in this set?


Kambara: Evening Snow

This is my favourite of the three sets. It depicts a winter scene in a small village and gives off a cosy and rustic atmosphere.

 Unfortunately Tatebanko seems to be dying off in Japan again. A few years ago, i could easily buy them in Yodobashi Camera. In my recent trip however, I could not even find one :(. It is still available online but at higher prices and you need to factor in shipping costs as well. Tatebanko goes beyond traditional Japanese artwork.  It includes contempary art from different cultures.... and yes, they do have a Hello Kitty version as well.....

                            

 ..... and no, I don't have one, that was taken from the web :). So which one is your preferred set? Let me know in the comments please. Have a great and blessed day!!