[ＷORKSHOPS] Kintsugi Experience in Nara

[ＷORKSHOPS]

Kintsugi Experience in Nara

Discover the beauty of kintsugi in a historic 18th-century house in Nara

In this 90-minute beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn to create your own kintsugi artwork exclusively inside a beautifully restored architectural gem near Nara Park.

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi, literally “golden joinery,” is the art of repairing broken pottery with urushi lacquer and gold. Invented in 15th-century Japan, kintsugi is deeply related to tea ceremonies and embodies the essence of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. This captivating practice not only repairs broken pottery but also celebrates its history, transforming once-broken objects into unique pieces of artwork.

Now, you can experience this timeless art in the exclusive setting of Toma House AIR, the beautifully restored ancestral residence of a former Shinto priest family and registered cultural property in the heart of Nara!

Workshop Details

Fee: 5,500 yen (We accept cash on-site)
Location: Toma House AIR, Nara, Japan [MAP]
Class size: 1 to 6 people per session. (For larger group bookings, please e-mail info@tomaunrestored.com)
Ages: Recommended for 8+ years old
Language options: English, Italiano, 日本語, 中文
Availability: Weekdays at 10 am & 3 pm, pre-booking required

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CALENDAR

The workshop will be open from May 2025. We will accept bookings until 3 days prior
After your booking, we will send you an email confirmation

Included

A piece of ceramic to repair with a gift box to bring home
Kintsugi tools, materials and decorative metal powder
An apron or samue (traditional Japanese work clothes) to wear during the workshop

What You’ll Do

Learn about the philosophy and history of kintsugi and the significance of natural urushi lacquer
Practice a modern kintsugi method using synthetic urushi – safe, fast and free of any skin-irritation caused by natural urushi
Repair and decorate a piece of broken pottery to take home on the same day as a unique souvenir

Important Notes:

This workshop does not use traditional natural urushi due to its longer curing time and potential to cause skin rashes or allergic reactions.
⚠️Your finished piece is for decorative use only and not for use with food or drinks.⚠️All visitors at Toma House AIR must respect and follow our strict NO SMOKING policy to protect the wooden house and registered cultural property.

About Toma House AIR

Toma House AIR is an art space and artist-in-residence set inside a historic 18th-century residence that was the home of a former Shinto priest family for generations and is now a creative hub for artists, cultural enthusiasts and history fans. This is your exclusive opportunity to experience exquisite Japanese artistry in a peaceful and authentic setting.

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