Kintsugi Workshop: Ceramic Restoration
2-Hour Workshop
Date
Saturday, May 16, 2026
1:00 PM–3:00 PM
4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Price
$100
*Includes all materials, tea, and snacks
*Up to 8 people per session
What to Expect
Introductory Presentation: A deep dive into the history and philosophy of Kintsugi.
Hands-on Session: Finishing a prepared ceramic piece with metallic gold.
Q&A & Social: Closing the session with tea and snacks.
Learn the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi（金継ぎ）, transforming broken ceramics into something even more beautiful with natural urushi lacquer and gold.
All tools and materials will be provided. A take-home ceramic piece is included.
In this 2-hour hands-on workshop led by Kintsugi artist @makomako.kintsugi @kintsugiclass.makomako, you’ll explore the history and philosophy behind golden joinery, work on a prepared ceramic piece using traditional techniques, and take home the finished piece completed during the workshop.
No experience needed, just an appreciation for imperfection.
*We use traditional urushi lacquer in this class. Traditional Kintsugi is a multi-stage process; a full repair can not be completed in one session. You will be working on a prepared piece.
Important Allergy Note
This workshop uses urushi lacquer, the natural sap of the lacquer tree. In its uncured state, urushi contains urushiol, the same allergen as poison ivy, and may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Gloves will be provided, and safety instructions will be given.
If you accidentally have skin contact with urushi, you agree to immediately massage the affected area with plant-based oil and wash your hands with soap and water.
This workshop is recommended for age 16+ and is not suitable for individuals with severe urushiol allergies.
*By signing up, I acknowledge the potential risk of urushi exposure and agree to follow all safety instructions provided.
*All video and images courtesy of makomako, Fou Gallery and 7Arts
Instructor
makomako is a Kintsugi artist based in New York, specializing in the authentic art of golden joinery. She is recognized for her expertise in restoring ceramics and diverse materials, including porcelain, Yixing clay, bamboo, agate, jade, and glass, using natural urushi lacquer and precious metals. Each repair is both functional and poetic, transforming fractures into visible landscapes of memory. Her practice is rooted in traditional craftsmanship, drawing from training under renowned urushi master Gen Saratani and further studies with master artisans in Japan and China, and urushi tapping in Joboji, one of the few regions in Japan where natural urushi is still harvested. Her works have been exhibited in Contemplating at Ease (theBLANC, 2023) and IROHA Lake of the Heart (CIBONE Brooklyn, 2023). In addition to private commissions, she leads workshops and collaborations, sharing the quiet philosophy of wabi-sabi and the enduring spirit of Kintsugi with a wider audience.
Instagram: @makomako.kintsugi
Payment and Cancellation Policy
At Fou Gallery, we are dedicated to offering meaningful and enriching experiences through our courses. Due to the intimate nature of our programs and the detailed planning required with our instructors, we kindly ask for your understanding of our non-refundable policy. Once registered for a course, all payments are final and cannot be refunded.
