Embracing Imperfections

Join our Kintsugi workshops and learn the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken bowls with Urushi, a Japanese lacquer. These mended pieces are then beautifully adorned with gold, silver, and vermilion, transforming them into unique works of art.

Kintsugi is more than just a craft; it's a philosophy centered around acceptance and personal growth. By highlighting the scars as part of the object’s history, Kintsugi symbolizes embracing flaws and imperfections in our own lives. This ancient technique serves as a metaphor, teaching us that setbacks can make us stronger and more beautiful.

Kintsugi course menu

Modern method: "Repairing pottery with a contemporary twist"

1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop: Discover the magic of Modern Kintsugi
2-Day Modern kintsugi course: Experience the authentic Kintsugi method as much as possible within two sessions

Authentic Method: "Preserving tradition with urushi"

4-Day Authentic Kintsugi course: Experience restoration with the authentic kintsugi methods.

Experience all steps involving urushi, from gluing to creating multiple layers and sprinkling gold powder (brass powder). Embrace the most traditional and natural methods.

Maki-e Workshop Menu

Maki-e Drawing with a glass cup
Maki-e Drawing with a glass picture frame

What is maki-e?

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. It involves drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, 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 wooden wares.

In our Maki-e workshops, you have the opportunity to create Maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame.

Japanese Urushi Art: Maki-E Painting Workshop in Amsterdam