Welcome to the world of traditional Japanese arts.
In this Introduction to Kintsugi course, you will explore the traditional culture that lives on in Japan and the spirit behind it, while laying the foundation for putting that spirit into practice in your own life over time.
These hands-on classes assume that you have already taken Kintsugi 101.
Introduction to Kintsugi Level 1
Four 2-hour sessions | $440
You will explore what tradition means in Japanese culture and what you need to know to learn and practice it.
You will also learn how to properly handle ceramics, how to use and clean tools, how to work with urushi (Japanese lacquer) and other materials, and how to prepare different urushi mixtures. Through these lessons, you will practice repairing chipped ceramics using a simplified method.
Choosing a Ceramic Piece for Level 1 (Click to see the details)
For this class, please choose a ceramic piece with a chip less than 2 mm deep.
A “chip” refers to damage where a portion of one surface has broken off, while the opposite surface remains intact. Minor damage on the opposite surface is acceptable, as long as it is no more than 1 mm deep.
If substantial portions have broken off from both surfaces, the damage is considered a more extensive loss of material, which requires a different repair technique from the one taught in Level 1.
Sometimes, a crack may extend from a chip. Repairing cracks requires a different technique, so they cannot be repaired in this class.
You can work on two to three chips during this course.
The goal of this class is not to achieve a flawless repair. Instead, it is a preparatory stage where you begin to build the foundation for engaging with traditional techniques through the practice of repairing chips.
We recommend that you do not use pieces that are especially precious to you for practice.
You are welcome to bring your own chipped ceramic piece. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one at the studio for $10 each.
【 Schedule & Registration】
October 【Registation】
1st class: October 28 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2nd class: November 4 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3rd class: November 11 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
4th class: November 18 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
November Sunday 【Registration】
1st class: November 8 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2nd class: November 15 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3rd class: November 22 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
4th class: November 29 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
November Monday 【Registration】
1st class: November 16 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2nd class: November 23 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3rd class: November 30 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
4th class: December 7 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Introduction to Kintsugi Level 2
Five 3-hour sessions | $670
This class assumes that you have an interest in Japanese culture, a basic understanding of kintsugi, and knowledge of how to properly handle ceramics and tools, clean tools, and handle and prepare materials.
Through continued practice and hands-on kintsugi work, you will further internalize the mindset, physical habits, and cultural understanding you developed in Level 1.
At the beginning of the course, you will learn how to assess a broken ceramic piece. Different types of clay, glazes, decorative finishes, shapes, and forms of damage all influence which kintsugi repair methods are appropriate.
You will then use a simplified method to repair a ceramic piece that has broken into separate pieces.
You will also learn how to make basic tools used in kintsugi.
Of the five sessions, only the first has a set date and time. The dates and times for the remaining four sessions will be discussed during class, allowing for flexible scheduling.
Regular Class
Now you’re ready to begin learning kintsugi in earnest.
This class assumes that you are interested in Japanese culture, have a basic understanding of kintsugi, and know how to properly handle ceramics and tools, clean tools, and work with and prepare materials.
Through hands-on work with urushi and kintsugi, deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, cultivate patience and concentration, and practice responding to challenges with resilience.
Regular Class does not follow a fixed schedule. You can attend once a week or several times a week, depending on your schedule, while learning every step of the kintsugi process without skipping steps. Regardless of the condition of your ceramic piece, you can continue learning new techniques as your skills develop.
In this class, you can also explore the many possibilities of urushi art beyond kintsugi. You can learn urushi coating, maki-e, raden, kanshitsu, and more.
Learning traditional techniques is a lifelong pursuit. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Take your time, and keep learning steadily, step by step.