Asakusa Tokyo: Traditional Kintsugi Workshop with 23K Gold

Highlights

• Discover the art of Kintsugi and learn from a certified Kintsugi Master
• Embrace the beauty of imperfection and create a unique piece of art
• Learn the traditional technique using genuine materials and gold powder
• Gain a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics and resilience
• Take home a beautifully mended piece of art as a memorable keepsake

Description

Experience the Art of Kintsugi 1. The Unique Kintsugi Experience (Hands-On Procedure) Traditional Kintsugi, an art form deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy and history, involves a long, multi-week process. In this intensive 90-minute workshop, you will not only experience key hands-on procedures—the first step (collaborative restoration) and the very final step (gold finishing)—but also gain insight into the profound culture of embracing imperfection. First Half: Collaborative Restoration You will participate in one essential intermediate step of the full Kintsugi process—such as gluing, filling chips with sabi urushi, or applying black urushi lacquer. The specific step will be chosen by our team on the day and is not selectable. This is a collaborative restoration: Your work will be passed on to future guests, like a relay, as together we bring a broken piece back to life, step by step. (Note: The vessel used in this step cannot be taken home.) Second Half: Your Final Finish You will experience the final, glorious stage of the craft: Vessel Selection: Choose one pre-restored vessel. Urushi Application: Apply real urushi lacquer. Gold Finishing: Finish with genuine 23K gold powder—a food-safe approach. Takeaway: This unique, one-of-a-kind vessel, completed with your own hands, is yours to keep as a cherished, functional souvenir. 2. Guidance & Preparation Master Guidance: This experience is guided by a genuine Japanese Kintsugi artisan who practices the craft daily. You will spend invaluable time learning the history and philosophy of Kintsugi. Materials: We will prepare all materials for you. There is no need to bring your own items or vessels. Attire & Safety: Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Arm covers are available. Those with long hair should have a hair clip to bind it. 3. Curing and Care Curing Time: Traditional urushi lacquer requires a long time (several days) to cure under specific conditions (a temperature of 20-30°C / 68–86°F and humidity of 70-85%). Takeaway & Final Care: You will take your finished vessel home in our special drying box on the day. You must keep the box closed for a period of one day to one week in a room with a temperature of 20–30°C / 68–86°F. You will receive an instruction manual for the final cleaning process, which you must complete yourself at home. Venue: Kintsugi Tsugu Tsugu Asakusa Studio 1F, 1-1-2 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034, Japan Just a short walk from Senso-ji Temple.

Includes

All materials (authentic urushi lacquer, gold powder, and ceramic piece for practice) English guidance from a Kintsugi Master Your finished Kintsugi piece

Important Information

• Safety, Materials, and Preparation - Materials & Allergies: This workshop uses traditional natural urushi lacquer. As urushi can cause a rash upon skin contact, the instructor will take the utmost care. However, individuals with a history of severe lacquer allergies are strongly advised not to participate. - Clothing & Protection: Please wear clothing you don't mind getting stained. (Gloves and arm covers are provided.) If you have long hair, please tie it back securely to prevent it from touching the urushi lacquer. Curing Time Your Kintsugi piece requires time to cure. We recommend leaving the finished piece for at least one night in the special curing box provided before handling it.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund