Experiencing the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi in Tokyo is a unique opportunity to learn the intricate techniques of repairing broken pottery with golden seams. This hands-on workshop invites participants to embrace the philosophy of wabi-sabi, celebrating the beauty in imperfections as they create a one-of-a-kind keepsake. With accessible facilities and personalized instruction, the workshop promises to leave attendees with a deeper appreciation for this transformative practice. What secrets will the golden joinery reveal?

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Key Points

Participants can learn the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with lacquer and powdered gold in a 2-hour hands-on workshop.
The workshop emphasizes the philosophy of wabi-sabi, embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the restoration process, by creating a unique keepsake.
All materials are provided, and the workshop is suitable for beginners with no prior experience necessary.
Participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment and receive a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
The workshop is wheelchair accessible, and customer reviews praise the personalized instruction and the opportunity to appreciate the art of Kintsugi.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Workshop Overview

The workshop offers participants a hands-on opportunity to learn the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which involves repairing broken pottery with gold.

The duration is 2 hours, and the cost starts at $118.04 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now and pay later option allows booking without upfront payment.

All materials, including broken pottery, lacquer, and gold powder, are provided, and no prior experience is necessary, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Participants will take home their beautifully repaired piece as a personal keepsake.

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Philosophy and Significance of Kintsugi

Kintsugi (金継ぎ), the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, originated in the 15th century. This ancient practice emphasizes embracing flaws and imperfections as part of an object’s unique story.

Rooted in the Japanese aesthetic concept of "wabi-sabi," kintsugi values imperfection and impermanence. This approach encourages appreciation of resilience through a calming and reflective process:

Kintsugi accentuates the cracks and breaks with lacquer and powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
The repaired pottery serves as a lasting reminder of the value of preservation and renewal.
Kintsugi promotes the idea that something can be more beautiful for having been broken.
This art form emphasizes the beauty in the imperfect, the impermanent, and the incomplete.

Hands-on Kintsugi Experience

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to directly engage with the art of kintsugi, repairing broken pottery using traditional techniques. They will learn how to carefully apply lacquer and gold powder to mend the cracks, embracing the imperfections as an integral part of the object’s history. The hands-on experience allows individuals to fully enjoy the process, fostering a deeper appreciation for the philosophy of wabi-sabi and the resilience inherent in the art of kintsugi.

Step	Materials	Process
1	Broken Pottery	Carefully select the pieces to be repaired.
2	Lacquer	Apply the lacquer to the cracks and joints.
3	Gold Powder	Gently sprinkle the gold powder over the lacquer.
4	Patience	Allow the repair to dry and set.
5	Finished Piece	Admire the unique beauty of the repaired pottery.

Materials and Techniques

Although the materials used in a kintsugi workshop may seem simple, the techniques involved require a delicate touch and careful attention to detail.

Participants will use the following materials to repair their broken pottery:

Lacquer: A natural resin used as an adhesive and sealant
Powdered gold, silver, or platinum: Added to the lacquer to create the signature "golden joinery" aesthetic
Broken pottery: Provided by the workshop, various pieces in different shapes and sizes

The process of kintsugi involves meticulously aligning the broken shards, applying the lacquer-metal mixture, and patiently waiting for the repair to dry and set.

This mindful, restorative technique celebrates the beauty in imperfection.

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Personalized Instruction

The small group setting of the kintsugi workshop allows for personalized instruction from the experienced guide.

With only one participant at a time, the instructor can provide individualized attention and guidance throughout the process. They’ll demonstrate the proper techniques for applying the lacquer and delicately arranging the gold powder to seamlessly mend the broken pottery.

Participants can ask questions and receive hands-on support as they work, ensuring they gain a thorough understanding of the traditional Japanese art form.

This intimate setting creates a calming, focused environment for a rewarding and memorable kintsugi experience.

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Taking Home a Keepsake

Participants leave the workshop with a beautifully repaired piece of pottery they can cherish as a personal keepsake.

The repaired pottery serves as a lasting reminder of the Kintsugi art form and the value of preservation and renewal.

The keepsake allows them to:

Appreciate the unique story and imperfections of their repaired item
Display the pottery as a work of art in their home
Share the experience and significance of Kintsugi with others
Reflect on the calming and fulfilling process of repairing broken objects.

This personal keepsake encapsulates the essence of the Kintsugi philosophy, encouraging participants to embrace flaws and find beauty in imperfection.

Accessibility and Meeting Details

The Kintsugi workshop is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all participants.

The meeting point details are provided in advance, and the guide will hold a board and send a picture before the scheduled time. This ensures participants can easily locate the meeting spot.

Customer reviews indicate a high satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5, based on one review, suggesting a positive overall experience.

With these thoughtful accessibility and meeting arrangements, the Kintsugi workshop offers a welcoming and seamless experience for attendees.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

According to customer reviews, the Kintsugi workshop has received a high satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5 based on one review.

Participants have praised the workshop for its:

Personalized instruction in a small group setting
Provision of all necessary materials
Suitable for beginners with no prior experience required
Opportunity to create a unique, personally meaningful keepsake

The Kintsugi experience encourages participants to embrace imperfections and appreciate the beauty in the process of restoration, leaving them with a deep sense of fulfillment and a newfound perspective on the art of preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Bring My Own Broken Pottery?

Yes, participants can bring their own broken pottery to the Kintsugi workshop. The workshop provides all the necessary materials and instruction to repair the participant’s personal items using the traditional Japanese art of golden joinery.

Can I Choose the Color of the Gold Powder?

Yes, participants can choose the color of the gold powder used to repair their broken pottery. The workshop provides a selection of gold, silver, and platinum powders to personalize the Kintsugi repair process.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Repair Process?

The repair process typically takes 2 hours to complete. Participants will learn how to use lacquer and powdered gold, silver, or platinum to mend broken pottery, creating a beautiful and unique keepsake.

Are Refreshments Provided During the Workshop?

The workshop does not provide refreshments. Participants should bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the 2-hour session as they focus on learning the art of Kintsugi and repairing their pottery.

Do I Need to Bring Any Tools or Supplies?

No, you don’t need to bring any tools or supplies. All materials, including the broken pottery, lacquer, and gold powder, are provided for the workshop. Just come ready to learn and create your own unique Kintsugi masterpiece.

The Sum Up

The Kintsugi workshop in Tokyo offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of golden joinery. Participants will gain insight into the philosophy of wabi-sabi while creating a personalized and meaningful keepsake. With hands-on instruction, accessible facilities, and positive customer reviews, this transformative experience promises to leave a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of restoration.