
Maki-e Workshops
What is maki-e?
Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration techniques which are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface.
Maki-e can be traced back to the 8th century, although the use of urushi (Japanese lacquer) dates back even further, to around 9000 years ago. Urushi is a natural sap obtained from the urushi tree, and it has been favored in Japan for centuries due to its decorative and protective qualities for woodenwares.
In our maki-e workshops, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a beautiful black lacquerware, a glass cup, or a glass picture frame.




A glass cup/a glass picture frame
Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Create Maki-e designs on a glass cup or a glass picture frame by placing a template underneath. Then maki-e drawing uses 100% natural paint, known as urushi or Japanese lacquer, to draw intricate patterns. Therefore, this techinique allows to achieve stunning results, combining traditional Japanese red with beautiful golden drawing. Additionally, Urushi is 100% natural and food safe.
The workshop takes about 2.5-3 hours and held in English or Japanese.
- One day experience
- No prior skills required, relatively easier than with lacquerwares
- You can choose a glass cup or a glass picture frame
€58 incl. VAT
(with a glass cup)
€62 incl. VAT
(with a glass picture frame)
Beautiful black lacquerwares
Difficulty ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
This is the most traditional method of creating maki-e. Because you are allowed to use the black lacquerware that has been meticulously painted with urushi lacquer five times and hand-polished six times. Additionally, Maki-e drawing uses 100% natural urushi paint and accented with gold powder(brass powder). As a result, you can delight in the exquisite contrast between black, gold, and red, featuring authentic Japanese patterns and imagery. Therefore, I assure you that you will have an authentic Japanese experience and be captivated by the stunning end result. Moreover, Urushi is 100% natural and food safe.
The workshop takes about 3 hours and held in English or Japanese.
- One day experience
- No prior skills required, relatively more challenging than with glass cups and picture frames
- A handmade lacquerware is included
€76 incl. VAT
Note; Currently lacquerware isn’t available.
Maki-e workshop
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, offer an unforgettable experience.
But that’s not all – we also provide the option to arrange a workshop in Delft, catering to groups of a minimum of two participants. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give the ultimate present.
- All materials are included
- One day experience
- No prior skills required


Disclaimer
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.
Please do keep in mind that you should not wash glass cups and lacquerwares in a dishwasher and should not use them with a microwave.
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.
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 use golden dust 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.
Urushi Drying Instructions (After the Workshop) Download the PDF from the links below:
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