Kintsugi
Workshops/Courses
Embracing Imperfections
In kintsugi workshops, you learn a traditional Japanese restoration technique that involves repairing broken bowls with Urushi, a Japanese Lacquer. These mended pieces are then beautifully adorned with gold, silver, and vermilion, transformed into truly unique works of art.
Kintsugi is more than just a craft; it’s a philosophy centered around acceptance and personal growth. By highlighting the scars as a part of the object’s history, Kintsugi symbolizes embracing flaws and imperfections in our own lives. Therefore, this ancient technique serves as a metaphor, teaching us that setbacks can lead us to become even stronger and more beautiful.
Embrace the beauty of imperfection. Join our Kintsugi workshop and learn how to restore broken bowls with a touch of gold, silver, and vermilion. Rediscover balance, acceptance, and personal empowerment through this transformative art form.
Modern Kintsugi Workshops
Repairing pottery with a contemporary twist
Experience the beauty of urushi (Japanese lacquer) in our 1 Day Modern Kintsugi workshop. Unlike conventional modern kintsugi methods that use only artificial glue, we incorporate authentic Urushi for fillings, providing an authentic taste of the craft. Following this, we apply a coat of Red Urushi, and finish it off with a sprinkling of exquisite brass powder. You will leave satisfied with both the experience of Kintsugi and the final product of your Kintsugi pottery from the workshop.
The modern kintsugi method creates stunningly restored pottery, and it is also food safe.
Modern Kintsugi workshop
Discover the magic of Modern Kintsugi
The workshop takes about 3 hours
-Learn about Kintsugi: its history, key materials such as urushi, and the basic structure of the technique
-Perform simple restoration techniques (gluing together one or two broken pieces)
-This session emphasizes the experience of Kintsugi rather than the technical aspects.
- No prior skills required
- A pottery for kintsugi not included
€60 incl. VAT
2 day modern Kintsugi course
This course combines modern and traditional methods, allowing you to experience the authentic kintsugi process as closely as possible within just two sessions (2 days).
The workshop takes about 3 hours each session.
-Learn gluing multiple broken pieces together
-Apply natural fillings (Urushi) using proper drying processes (duration and environment) to achieve perfect fillings as a foundation.
-Perform same process as authentic method to finish golden lines
-Achieve an appearance that closely resembles authentic kintsugi methods.
Included: Instruction handout
- No prior skills required
- A pottery for kintsugi not included
€120 incl. VAT
GIFT VOUCHER
Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone special? Look no further! Our unique workshops, held once a month in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, and on several days in Delft, offer an unforgettable experience.
We also provide the option to arrange a workshop in Delft, catering to groups of a minimum of four participants. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give the ultimate present.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
After you purchase, we will send you an email containing the voucher, confirming your payment details. Then please forward this email to the person whom you wish to give the voucher to.
Kindly note that the voucher is valid for 1 year. The recipient needs to contact us in advance, when they wish to attend the workshop.
Authentic Kintsugi Workshops
Preserving tradition with urushi
Experience the timeless art of kintsugi with our authentic restoration course. Our process strictly adheres to traditional methods, using genuine urushi (Japanese lacquer) to restore your cherished pottery. This meticulous technique ensures the highest level of delicacy and safety, making your restored pieces perfect for both food and beverages.
Achieve stunning results while connecting with nature and practicing a zen meditative activity. Embrace the wabi-sabi concept, finding beauty in imperfection. This course is perfect for those who love Japan and value authenticity.
Join our multi-session workshops, designed for your convenience. Sessions are spread over consecutive weeks or consecutive months, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the craft. The first session lasts 3 hours, with subsequent sessions being shorter. (Please note, times are approximate.)
4 DAYS authentic Kintsugi course(Basic)
Beginner Level
Experience the art of restoration through traditional, authentic Kintsugi methods.
This course is perfect for beginners—no prior skills required.
What You’ll Gain from the Workshop:
Session 1: Introduction to the history and philosophy of Kintsugi
Session 2: Discover the different types of urushi (Japanese lacquer)
Session 3: Overview of fundamental Kintsugi techniques
Session 4: Explore various types of gold and metal powders used in Kintsugi
Practical Training:
You will experience all the essential steps of Kintsugi using traditional urushi methods:
From gluing, layering, and shaping to the final application of gold powder (brass powder), all using the most natural and time-honored techniques.
Each session takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Pottery Requirements:
Please bring your own pottery to practice on. Pottery is not included in the course.
Included:
- Textbook
- Digital hygrometer & thermometer for optimal urushi handling
€220 incl. VAT (4 sessions)
8 DAYS authentic Kintsugi course(Advanced)
Advanced Level
Are you looking to deepen your Kintsugi practice and gain more experience?
Would you like to create refined Kintsugi art or learn techniques to restore a variety of objects?
This advanced course offers 8 sessions of hands-on training using traditional materials and methods not introduced in the beginner level.
Each session takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Pottery Requirements:
Please bring your own pottery to work on during the course. Pottery is not included in the course.
Course Prerequisite:
Completion of the Authentic Kintsugi Course (Beginner Level) is required
What You’ll Learn:
You will work on multiple pieces at the same time to explore and practice a wide range of advanced Kintsugi techniques.
Included:
A detailed worksheet is provided to support your learning and guide you through traditional materials and methods.
Please note: You’ll learn two or three of the techniques listed in the reference, but mastering all of them will require additional lessons.
€360 incl. VAT (8 sessions)
Intensive 2-Day Authentic Kintsugi Course (Basic)
Are you living outside the Netherlands? Do you have limited time but still want to learn authentic Japanese kintsugi? This intensive course is the perfect option.
If you would like to learn the fundamentals of authentic kintsugi, we offer an intensive course that can be completed in just two days (5 hours per day).
Schedule
Day 1: Morning session (2.5 hours) and afternoon session (2.5 hours)
Day 2: Morning session (2.5 hours) and afternoon session (2.5 hours)
Course fee: €220 + €80 for pre-prepared bowls used during the course.
To ensure you experience all four basic steps of authentic Kintsugi, we provide three pre-prepared bowls.
- The two workshop days can be taken on consecutive days or on separate dates.
- The two workshop days could be taken at different locations.
At the end of the course, you will be able to take one completed bowl home.
What’s Included
- All necessary materials, including the bowls and a transport box
- Course textbook
- Digital hygrometer & thermometer for optimal urushi handling
Course Dates – Example 1
Day 1: September 5 – Amsterdam
*Morning lesson: 10:30–13:00
*Afternoon lesson: 14:00–16:30
Day 2: September 6 – Delft
*Morning lesson: 10:30–13:00
*Afternoon lesson: 14:30–17:00
Course Dates – Example 2
Day 1: September 12 – Delft
*Morning lesson: 10:30–13:00
*Afternoon lesson: 14:30–17:00
Day 2: September 13 – Utrecht
*Morning lesson: 10:30–13:00
*Afternoon lesson: 14:30–17:00
Total cost: €300 incl. VAT (€220 course fee + €80 three pre-prepared bowls)
Top-Up Sessions
If you would like to continue working on a more complex piece that requires additional time, you may purchase either a term ticket (4 sessions) or a single-session ticket.
Requirements:
You must have completed the”4 DAYS authentic Kintsugi course“(basic)
1 term ticket (4 sessions) €180 incl. VAT
1 session ticket €48 incl. VAT
Please read carefully regarding the condition of pottery for Kintsugi. This applies to both modern and authentic workshops.
Please bring your broken pottery for attdening the workshops. If you have a new pottery, then please do not try to break it yourself; bring it unbroken.
What type of pottery is suitable for beginners to practice kintsugi?
Recommend:
- Small bowls or plates
- Pottery in dark green or blue colors, as they complement the gold lines used in kintsugi
Not recommend:
- Cups with narrow openings
- Unglazed pottery
- Plant pot
- Porcelain
- Large plate/vase/pot exceeding 20 cm in diameter, especially if broken into more than 4 pieces
Please note:
We use natural materials in all workshops and courses, including Urushi, a traditional Japanese lacquer made from the sap of a tree. While Urushi is a 100% natural material, only some people may experience mild skin irritation if it comes into direct contact with the skin. Many people have no reaction at all. To ensure safety, we always advise proper handling and provide gloves during use.
Care Instructions for Kintsugi Pottery
- Do not use microwave
- Do not use dishwasher
- After using Kintsugi pottery for food or drinks, wash and dry it immediately. Do not leave it soaking in water for a long time, as this may affect the cracks and cause leaking.
Urushi Drying Instructions (After the Workshop) Download the PDF from the links below:
Workshop Notes for Participants
- Please bring an apron or wear casual clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Tea will be available for participants. However, snacks will not be provided, as the workshop involves craft activities that produce dust and use clay powder and natural paints. To avoid ingestion of these materials, we do not provide food. If you would like to snack during the workshop, please feel free to bring your own.
- The Utrecht location does not have a heating facility and may be cold, so please wear warm clothing.
Cancellation policy
You must complete the payment at least 48 hours before the workshop begins. If you cancel within the 48 hours prior to the workshop, no reimbursement will be given. You can reschedule your workshop if you contact us 48 hours before the workshop begins. If you are ill or in an emergency situation, we can be flexible and handle each case individually.
Authentic Kintsugi workshop
✔Love it ✔Good quality ✔Good value for money ✔Want to recommend to my friends and family
The Authentic Kintsugi Workshop was excellent: Yuki explained the principles and philosophy very well and provided a warm and inspiring environment. The Kintsugi Kit is great as well!
Authentic Kintsugi workshop
✔Love it ✔Good Quality ✔Want to repeat
It is a great experience! A journey through the repairing broken pieces also makes you aware of the work it takes to make something and thus values even more the experiences we share with objects and people.
Maki-e workshop
✔Love it ✔Good quality ✔Exactly as described ✔Want to repeat ✔Wanto to recommend to my friends and family
I had great fun and I liked the thorough explanation in the creation of the maki-e 🙂
Maki-e workshop
✔Love it ✔Good quality ✔Good value for money ✔Exactly as described ✔Want to repeat ✔Wanto to recommend to my friends and family
Easy to understand instructions and a very good and nice teacher!
Authentic Kintsugi workshop
✔Love it ✔Exactly as described ✔Want to recommend to my friends and family
Merci pour la présentation détaillée et complète des techniques du kintsugi traditionnel. J’ai découvert avec cette technique non seulement un moyen de réparer des pièces de céramique mais aussi comment décorer. C’est une technique qui m’a apportée beaucoup plaisir et de calme et de confiance car le résultat est magnifique. Merci encore.
Maki-e workshop
✔Love it
Super fun and creative maki-e workshop. We learned about the maki-e, the background and techniques and worked on our own lacquer pieces. Great to do with a group of friends or colleagues. Thanks for the workshop, Yuki!
Maki-e workshop
✔Love it ✔Good Quality ✔Good Value for money ✔Want to repeat ✔Want to recommend to my friends and family
Goede lerares,mooie workshop.Geslaagde middag voor een verraste jarige.
Maki-e workshop
✔Love it