Date: January 18th, Sunday, 2026
Time: 1:00pm-5:30pm
Location: Kintsugica Atelier (Bloor and Christie)
Price: $180 per person (Please pay in cash on the day)
(Gift cards are also available!)
Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art and repair technique that restores broken ceramics to practical, food-safe use.
The kintsugi process uses no chemical or synthetic materials and relies entirely on natural ones. The primary material is urushi, a natural tree sap that has been used in Japan for over 10,000 years, which bonds the broken fragments together. The surface is then adorned with pure gold using a traditional decorative technique known as maki-e.
Because kintsugi cannot be completed in a single day, we will first take time to learn about kintsugi properly through a lecture, and then experience maki-e hands-on.
Participants will apply maki-e to their own tea tools, wooden or bamboo items, matcha bowls, wine glasses, or other personal items they choose to bring. If you do not have any items to bring, you can purchase items like a chashaku (teaspoon), wooden spoon, or small plate at the venue.
《 Kintsugi 101 Topics (Lecture) 》
・The materials of Kintsugi
・The history and structure of Kintsugi
・Traditional crafts related to Kintsugi
・The cultural background and philosophy of Kintsugi
・Kintsugi’s global recognition and significance, and more
This lecture is highly regarded for its well-structured and informative approach, making it an excellent opportunity to gain deeper insights into the art and philosophy of Kintsugi. With captivating content and thought-provoking discussions, the three hours will pass by before you know it!
《 Maki-e Workshop (Hands-on) 》
↓ Click these videos to play!!
What to Bring:
・Item you want to apply Maki-e to
・Airtight container that can fit your item
Please bring a container like a Tupperware that can securely enclose your item. After the workshop, the Urushi needs to be cured inside the container for another 5-7 days. Since Urushi cures only in the presence of humidity, a damp cloth will be placed inside the container.
・Fine-tip ballpoint pen
・Long-sleeved clothing
Suitable Materials for Maki-e
Please choose items with a smooth surface! Maki-e may not be applied successfully on rough or uneven surfaces as it becomes difficult to attach gold or platinum.
・Bamboo
・Wood
・Ceramics (those with a glaze, and ensure the glaze is not rough)
・Glass
・Plastic
・For other materials, please inquire
Unsuitable Materials for Maki-e
・Metal
・Rubber
・Silicone
・For other materials, please inquire
If you don’t have an item you’d like to use for Maki-e
You can purchase these items. Please pay at the venue in cash.
・Japanese Small Plate (15cm) : $25
・Chasaku (Kyoto Tsujiri Brand, 18cm) : $20
・Japanese Wooden Spoon (19cm) : $20
About the Design
The designable area size should be less than 1.5 x 2.5 inches (4×7 cm) or approximately 21 square cm.
The time allocated is 15 minutes for drafting and 30 minutes for Urushi drawing. As Urushi is a very viscous material, it must be applied very thinly. You need to move the brush slowly. Aim to spend 1 second drawing a 1mm line.
We use red-coloured urushi as a glue to stick brass powder. When your item is transparent like glass, you will see the color from its back side like this ↓
Maki-e Process
※ Please wash the item you will use for maki-e with detergent beforehand.
After the Workshop
Don’t shake the container. Bring it back to your house. Wait for 5-7 days at room temperature (20-27℃). Then open the container and wash the excess gold/platinum.
*No microwave, oven, or dishwasher.
Feel free to ask anything about items, maki-e design, or any other questions by sending an email to us. As it’s a small-scale workshop, we can have a thorough consultation beforehand. To ensure I don’t miss your email, please title it “INQUIRY: MAKI-E”.
Email: introjapanca@gmail.com
Sign up here ↓
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