Ayako Mogi

Hidden in the wooded mountains on the west coast of Japan lies the small Zen monastery Antaiji. A young woman sets off to immerse herself through autumn, winter and spring in the adventures of monastic life. The young woman is Sabine Timoteo from Switzerland. The abbot of the monastery is Muho Noelke, born in Berlin. An interplay between the philosophy of the Japanese Zen master Kodo Sawaki and the surprises brought forth by everyday life.

This documentary explores karakami, a patterned decorative paper hand printed onto washi. The director visits the Karacho studio, established 400 years ago, whose 11th generation master - Kenkichi Senda, still produces karakami using the original woodblocks from the studio's founding. We see how pattern making developed, drawing inspiration from other cultures, back in time to the rock carvings at Val Camonica.