Artist-in-Residence – Toma House x Clementine Nuttall
[OPEN CALL]
2025 Kintsugi Residency Program
A: Oct. 4th (Sat.) ~ Oct. 31st (Fri.) 2025
B: Nov. 8th (Sat.) ~ Dec. 5th (Fri.) 2025
Toma House AIR is thrilled to announce an open call for our new Kintsugi Residency Program in collaboration with artist Clementine Nuttall. This 4-week English-taught intensive program is designed for those who want to build a strong foundation in traditional urushi-based kintsugi. The program is set in the studio of Toma House AIR, a former Shinto priest’s ancestral residence built in the 18th century and a registered cultural property in Nara city. All participants can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of kintsugi and will be given the tools to employ what they learn from the program into their future practices and personal projects.
WHAT TO EXPLORE
- The artistry, culture, and philosophy related to kintsugi
- Urushi lacquer and its relationship with kintsugi
- The art of conservation and restoration
PRACTICAL SKILLS TO LEARN
- The fundamental steps to repairing cracks, chips and breaks
- The traditional kintsugi method using natural urushi lacquer
- Hand-craft some traditional kintsugi tools for yourself
- Some urushi and maki-e techniques that can be employed in your personal kintsugi projects
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- A Kintsugi Handbook created for the program
- A Gold-and-Silver Kintsugi Kit for each participant
- Four weeks accommodation within Toma House AIR in Nara city
- Your own private bedroom with shared studio, kitchenette, toilet, shower, washing machine, utilities, and wi-fi access
- It is possible for one’s partner to stay in the same room together for an additional fee
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Due to competitive selection, we encourage early application to secure a spot.
- The 2025 Kintsugi Residency Program is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Culture.
- This is a self-funded open-call program. Participants must finance themselves throughout the program.
- This is an English-taught program, however, a basic understanding in Japanese can be a plus. Mandarin language supports will be available upon request.
- For artists, students, researchers, and artisans who are seeking a grant or funding in order to enroll in the program, we will gladly provide the necessary documents that you may require for the application process.
- This program aims to teach the traditional kintsugi method using genuine urushi lacquer. The sap from urushi trees has been used by artists, craftspeople and conservators for millennia. It is an extraordinary natural material that restores strength and utility to broken ceramics, and is safe for food after being dried completely.
- Please be aware however that wet urushi may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in certain individuals. We will teach how to safely handle urushi, however we cannot be held liable for any significant allergic reactions that may occur.
CLEMENTINE NUTTALL – ARTIST & INSTRUCTOR
The primary instructor, Clementine Nuttall, is a British artist, conservator, and craftsperson with a decade of experience working with kintsugi.
Driven by a deep passion for the philosophies of making, mending, and material culture, she moved to Tokyo in 2017 as a recipient of the Japanese Ministry of Culture’s Monbukagakusho Scholarship to study kintsugi at Tokyo University of the Arts’ Department of Lacquer. She later completed her MFA in the Global Art Practice program at the same university, and is currently involved in teaching at its Faculty of Fine Arts.
Clementine is committed to preserving and sharing this traditional Japanese technique with a global audience while exploring its potential to contribute to a more sustainable world. She will guide you through the fundamental processes of kintsugi, encouraging you to approach the method through your own unique perspective while honoring the traditions and techniques of the past.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- Please read and understand the Application Guidelines before starting the application.
- Fill in the Online Application Form.
- Your application will be reviewed within 7 working days and we will contact you about the selection.
Application close date: August 1st, 2025 (Fri.)
Selection process:
We review and accept candidates on a rolling basis — early application is highly encouraged, as spaces may fill before the deadline.
Note: Kintsugi photography and film credit to filmmaker & photographer Sybilla Patrizia
SEND US AN INQUIRY
- Any questions about the residency program? Just send us an e-mail at info@tomaunrestored.com
This program is commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan