Experience Authentic Kintsugi using Lacquer at Traditional Kintsugi Workshop

【STORY】

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery by decorating it with gold lacquer.

Its history dates back to the Muromachi period(1336-1573) when Zen Buddhism spread, and during this era, which saw the establishment of various representative Japanese traditional cultures such as Noh, Kyogen, Ikebana, and Chanoyu (tea ceremony), the Kintsugi technique is believed to have begun (although there are different opinions on this).

The beauty of kintsugi lies in the irreproducible charm that arises from the accidental curves and shapes of the cracks and chips. It breathes new life and charm into the broken vessel, allowing one to enjoy its uniqueness.

This philosophy is the allure of the Kintsugi. Rather than concealing the seams, it deliberately decorates them with gold or silver, an idea that reflects the Japanese culture of cherishing and caring for objects.

Normally, the Kintsugi process takes 2 to 3 months from repair to completion. However, this time, we offer a one-day experience of authentic Kintsugi using lacquer for those who want to try it out. (The completed Kintsugi vessel will also be given on a later date.)

Savor the unique Japanese philosophy of cherishing and valuing objects.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience an authentic Kintsugi workshop using lacquer.
• Select your preferred design.
• Receive a complimentary vessel with a 23-karat gold finish.

【SCHEDULE】

[16:00] Reception and Plate Selection

[16:15] Intermediate Coating and Water Polishing

[16:20] Creating the Lacquer Design

[16:30] Lacquering Process

[16:40] Gold Dust Finishing

[17:00] Completion

*Please note that the duration may exceed one hour depending on the pace of the work.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：1 hour
• Meeting point：TsuguTsugu【Asakusa Store】[MAP]
  1st floor, 1-1-2 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034 
  
• Access：
  ・8 minutes on foot from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station
  ・3 minutes on foot from Asakusa Line and Ginza Line Asakusa Station Exit A1
  ・3 minutes on foot from Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station Exit 2
• Language support：Japanese　
  *If you require an English instructor, this will be available at an additional cost (subject to the availability of instructors, and there may be cases where it is not possible to accommodate).
  
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Cost of the dish
  ・Cost of gold dust
  
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation expenses to the experience location
  ・Shipping fee (in case you want your creation to be shipped)
  　*If you choose to have your creation shipped, the shipping fee will be paid locally.
• Clothes：
  ・Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, 
  ・if you have long hair, it's advisable to have a hair tie or hairpin to keep it secured.
• Free WI-FI：No
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ■ Regarding Late Arrival
  If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, we regret to inform you that it will be considered as an unannounced cancellation. If you anticipate being late due to unavoidable circumstances, please contact us as soon as you become aware. However, please note that we cannot extend the workshop beyond its scheduled end time.
  
  ■ Special Schedules
  Our regular hours are typically Saturdays and Sundays from 16:00 to 17:00, but we can accommodate other schedules depending on the availability of our instructors. Additional fees apply to alternate schedules (¥7,300 per group). Please contact us if you have a specific request.
  
  ■ Pick-up on the Day in a Dedicated Box (Free)
  1. Please store the item in the sealed box for at least a full day in an environment with temperatures between 20-30°C.
  2. We regret that we cannot take responsibility if the Kintsugi part of the vessel rubs against something before it fully hardens.
     * Lacquer hardens due to an oxidation reaction caused by enzymes, so it requires an environment with temperatures between 20-30°C and humidity between 70-85%.
  
  ■ Other Important Notes
  - Please be aware that contact with lacquer can cause skin irritation. We recommend taking necessary precautions as advised by the instructor before participating.
     * While there is no age restriction for the experience, activities that involve touching the face are highly dangerous. Parents accompanying young children should exercise extreme caution. Carrying small children while participating in the workshop is not allowed for safety reasons.
     * In the case of kintsugi-style accessory workshops that do not use raw lacquer, there is no risk of skin irritation, making it safe for small children.
  - You cannot use your own vessel for the experience. All tools and vessels will be provided by our company.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Within 3 days of the start of the tour: 100%
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.