4-Week Hands-on Kintsugi Course | Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM
Course Dates
October 30, 6:30–8:30 PM
November 13, 6:30–8:30 PM
November 20, 6:30–8:30 PM
December 4 , 6:30–8:30 PM
(Wednesdays, except for November 27, 2024 due to Thanksgiving holiday)
Up to 8 students.
Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided during breaks.
Course Dates
October 30, 6:30–8:30 PM
November 13, 6:30–8:30 PM
November 20, 6:30–8:30 PM
December 4 , 6:30–8:30 PM
(Wednesdays, except for November 27, 2024 due to Thanksgiving holiday)
Up to 8 students.
Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided during breaks.
Course Dates
October 30, 6:30–8:30 PM
November 13, 6:30–8:30 PM
November 20, 6:30–8:30 PM
December 4 , 6:30–8:30 PM
(Wednesdays, except for November 27, 2024 due to Thanksgiving holiday)
Up to 8 students.
Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided during breaks.
Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair
Kintsugi is a ceramic repair technique with a history spanning several centuries. It uses traditional natural lacquer (urushi) as an adhesive to mend chipped, cracked, or broken pieces, and decorates the repaired lines with gold or silver powder. The restored pieces are not only safe for use as tableware but also visually transformed, presenting a new “scenery” that people admire. In the book written by Ozawa Noriyo, the essence of Kintsugi is described as follows: “At its core, Kintsugi is about the desire to preserve cherished objects for as long as possible. By using one’s own hands to repair these items, it reflects a deep respect and appreciation for them.”
By embracing imperfections, Kintsugi transforms broken objects into beautiful works of art, reminding us that cracks and flaws are a natural part of life’s journey. This course offers a reflective and therapeutic space, where participants can engage in the practice of mending and healing, both in ceramics and in spirit.
Course Overview
Week 1 (Oct 30): What is Kintsugi?
Introduction to the philosophy and craft. Discover the history and principles of Kintsugi, and learn about Urushi lacquer and its natural properties. Begin bonding broken ceramic pieces.
Week 2 (Nov 13): Filling the Missing Pieces
Restore completeness by filling chips and gaps in your ceramic piece with care.
Week 3 (Nov 20): Painting the Middle Layer
Apply a middle layer of lacquer to refine the surface with purpose and precision.
Week 4 (Dec 4): Gold Application and Finishing
Polish your work and apply gold powder to the repaired areas. Engage in a group critique and reflect on the process.
What You Can Bring (Optional)
A broken or chipped ceramic piece that:
- Is glazed with a smooth, even surface
- Has any missing chip no larger than 1 cm in size
- If broken, is in 2-3 clean, simple pieces
- Is smaller than 15 cm in diameter
- Has no previous glue applied
*All tools and materials will be provided during the class. Please wear long sleeves for protection.
Important Allergy Note
This course uses natural Urushi lacquer, which contains urushiol, a substance that can cause allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the skin. Gloves and protective measures will be provided in class. If you have any sensitivity to urushi lacquer or similar materials, please be cautious and follow safety instructions carefully.
*All video and images courtesy of makomako
Instructor
makomako.kintsugi is a New York based Kintsugi artist and Chanoyu practitioner. The breaking of a tea bowl led her to the study of Kintsugi – the Japanese art of ceramic restoration using urushi lacquer and gold. She studied with lacquer master and Kintsugi specialist Gen Saratani, Rongqiang Wu and Bowen Chen. She specializes in using natural materials for Kintsugi, and through study, practice, exploration, and reflection, she has developed a new understanding of "beauty" — the pursuit of "exquisite beauty" in traditional Chinese aesthetics is replaced by letting "beauty" be restored and cherished through ages. This timeless perception is also what she hopes to convey to the audience through this course.
Instagram: @makomako.kintsugi
Payment and Cancellation Policy
At Fou Gallery, we are dedicated to offering meaningful and enriching experiences through our courses. Due to the intimate nature of our programs and the detailed planning required with our instructors, we kindly ask for your understanding of our non-refundable policy. Once registered for a course, all payments are final and cannot be refunded.
