Kintsugi Experience With Arita Ware in Tokyo (English Guide)

Discover the art of Kintsugi in the heart of Tokyo. This 1.5-hour workshop at the historic Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store immerses you in the centuries-old Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfections. Led by an English-speaking instructor, you’ll learn to mend Arita ware porcelain using lacquer and powdered gold, transforming damage into beauty. With an intimate setting of just 10 participants, this unique cultural experience blends tradition and creativity. Prepare to uncover the captivating story behind each Kintsugi masterpiece you create.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour Kintsugi workshop in Tokyo where participants learn the ancient Japanese art of mending broken pottery with lacquer and powdered gold.
• The workshop uses high-quality Arita ware, a prestigious 400-year-old Japanese porcelain, and is led by an English-speaking, wheelchair-accessible instructor.
• The Kintsugi experience is held at the Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store, a historic shop known for its traditional Japanese lacquerware and glassware.
• Participants are taught the Kintsugi philosophy of embracing imperfections and transforming flaws into beauty, as well as techniques for caring for their created piece.
• The Kintsugi experience is capped at 10 participants and is fully refundable up to 3 days in advance, making it an accessible and flexible cultural activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Kintsugi Experience Overview

The Kintsugi experience in Tokyo lasts 1.5 hours and costs from SEK 1,423 per person.

Due to limited availability, participants should check the schedule for starting times. The group size is capped at 10 people, with an English-speaking, wheelchair-accessible instructor.

Cancellations up to 3 days in advance are fully refundable.

This immersive workshop allows visitors to learn the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, valuing imperfection and finding beauty in life’s scars.

Participants will use exquisite Arita ware, Japan’s first porcelain, to create their own unique Kintsugi masterpiece.

Discovering the Art of Kintsugi

Although rooted in the 15th century, the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi continues to captivate the modern world.

Kintsugi, which translates to "golden joinery," is the practice of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and powdered gold. This philosophy embraces imperfections, transforming cracks and flaws into unique, beautiful designs. Kintsugi teaches resilience, acceptance, and the ability to find beauty in adversity.

During the workshop, you will learn the entire Kintsugi process, from carefully mending shattered Arita ware pieces to applying the lustrous golden seams.

This ancient craft offers a profound lesson in the Japanese art of treasuring imperfections.

Arita Ware: A Porcelain Legacy

Arita ware’s 400-year history has made it a renowned porcelain product in Japan. The first porcelain produced in the country, Arita ware is known for its exquisite craftsmanship.

Products from Shobido Honten, the workshop hosting the Kintsugi experience, are popular both domestically and internationally. Participants will have the opportunity to work with these high-quality Arita ware pieces during the workshop.

The Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store

Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store, established in 1923, specializes in high-quality lacquerware and glassware.

This century-old shop offers a rich atmosphere for experiencing traditional Japanese crafts.

The Kintsugi workshop takes place right here, allowing participants to learn and practice the entire process in one day.

The store’s historic location in Nihonbashi, known as the heart of Tokyo, adds to the authentic cultural experience.

Visitors can enjoy the shop’s legacy while exploring the art of Kintsugi, a centuries-old technique that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

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What to Expect in the Workshop

During the Kintsugi experience, participants can expect to learn the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. The 1.5-hour workshop covers the entire Kintsugi process, from start to finish.

Participants will:

1. Use exquisite Arita ware pieces to practice the art.
2. Learn from an English-speaking instructor in a wheelchair-accessible setting.
3. Take home their own Kintsugi-repaired plate as a keepsake.
4. Receive instructions on properly caring for the Kintsugi piece after the workshop.

The experience celebrates imperfection and teaches resilience, making it a unique and meaningful creative activity.

Kintsugi Masterclass: The Process

Participants embark on a hands-on journey through the captivating Kintsugi process.

First, they carefully inspect the pre-broken Arita ware pieces and plan their repair strategy.

Then, they mix the special Kintsugi lacquer and diligently fill the cracks, ensuring a seamless integration.

The application of gold powder transforms the repaired areas into striking, shimmering highlights.

Finally, participants carefully polish and finish their one-of-a-kind creations.

Through this immersive experience, they gain a deeper understanding of the Kintsugi philosophy – embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the flaws that make each piece truly unique.

Caring for Your Kintsugi Creation

Once participants have completed their Kintsugi masterpiece, they’ll need to properly care for it to preserve its unique beauty.

Here are four steps to ensure your Kintsugi piece endures:

1. Drying Time: Allow your creation to dry indoors for approximately 1 week before use or display.

2. Hand Wash Only: Clean your Kintsugi piece by hand using a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid the dishwasher.

3. No Microwaves: The gold lacquer can’t withstand the intense heat of a microwave.

4. Decorative Use: Use your Kintsugi creation for display, not for food or drink, to maintain its integrity.

Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection

Although Kintsugi is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces imperfection, the art form itself teaches a deeper lesson about resilience and finding beauty in adversity.

By repairing broken pottery with gold, Kintsugi transforms cracks and flaws into unique and visually stunning works of art. This process symbolizes the acceptance of life’s imperfections and the understanding that our scars and challenges can become sources of strength and beauty.

Embracing the Kintsugi philosophy encourages a mindset of gratitude, empowerment, and the recognition that true perfection may lie in the imperfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Broken Ceramics to the Workshop?

While the workshop provides materials, participants can’t bring their own broken ceramics. The focus is on learning the Kintsugi technique using the exclusive Arita ware pieces supplied by the instructor.

Is the Kintsugi Workshop Suitable for Children Under 13?

The Kintsugi workshop is not suitable for children under 13 years old. The materials and process involved may be too complex and potentially hazardous for younger participants to safely engage with.

Is the Workshop Location Wheelchair Accessible?

The workshop is wheelchair accessible, as the instructor is stated to be English-speaking and wheelchair accessible. The location, Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store, should also be able to accommodate wheelchair users.

Can I Use the Kintsugi Piece for Everyday Use?

No, it’s not recommended to use the Kintsugi piece for everyday use. The workshop instructions advise drying the piece indoors for a week and hand washing only, avoiding the microwave or dishwasher, since it’s intended for decorative purposes, not for food or drink.

How Long Does the Kintsugi Piece Take to Fully Dry?

The Kintsugi piece takes about 1 week to fully dry. It’s recommended to let it air-dry indoors during this time before using it. The piece should only be hand-washed, and shouldn’t be used in the microwave or dishwasher.

The Sum Up

The Kintsugi experience in Tokyo offers a profound exploration of the Japanese art of embracing imperfections. By mending pottery with lacquer and gold, participants learn to celebrate the beauty in brokenness. This intimate workshop, led by an English-speaking guide, provides a unique chance to take in the philosophy of Kintsugi and create a one-of-a-kind Arita ware piece to treasure. It’s an opportunity to transform not just the pottery, but one’s own perspective on life.

You can check availability for your dates here: