Making Kintsugi-style Accessories/Chopstick Rest at the 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.

While traditional Kintsugi typically takes 2 to 3 months from repair to completion, we are pleased to offer a "Simplified Kintsugi Experience" in the form of kintsugi-style accessories or chopstick rests for those who would like to try Kintsugi on a smaller scale. (You can take your creation home with you immediately.)

This style of Kintsugi, which does not use lacquer, is often referred to as modern Kintsugi. It is finished not with pure gold but with brass.

These fashionable items combine ceramics and sea glass that have been washed up on the shores over many years, resulting in a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Pick up something that was once discarded as trash, repurpose it, and transform it into a stylish accessory.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience simplified Kintsugi.
• Take it home right away.
• Create stylish accessories with a kintsugi-inspired twist.

【SCHEDULE】

[16:00] Reception and selection of sea glass/ceramics (Up to 4 pieces included in the price)

[16:15] Selection of accessory components (Up to 2 pieces included in the price)

[16:20] Adhesion

[16:30] Gold finishing with a brush

[16:40] For accessories, adhesion of metal fittings

[17:00] Completion

*Please refrain from touching the gold lines when taking it home as it takes a full day to completely harden.

【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
  ・Accessory cost
  *An additional fee will be added for each additional piece of sea glass/ceramics and metal fittings used.
  *You can take them home with you right away.
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation expenses to the experience location
  
• 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.
  
  ■ Other Important Notes
  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.