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.
Have you ever wondered how broken ceramics can be transformed into something even more beautiful? Kintsugi (金継ぎ), meaning "golden joinery," is a centuries-old Japanese art that repairs ceramics using natural urushi lacquer and gold powder. By embracing imperfections, Kintsugi transforms broken objects into beautiful works of art, reminding us that cracks and flaws are a natural part of life’s journey.
Since Kintsugi is a multi-stage process that usually requires several weeks to fully complete, the private Kintsugi Experience workshop is designed for those who like to gain an introduction to traditional Kintsugi. In this 2.5-hour hands-on workshop, you and your team will discover the traditional art of Kintsugi, gain hands-on experience with the essential steps —mending a broken ceramic chopstick rest with urushi lacquer and applying metallic powder to another piece that you can take home. This workshop is perfect for beginners, design enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Japanese craftsmanship, sustainability, and Wabi-Sabi aesthetics. This is ideal if you’d like to gain an introduction to Kintsugi, understand the philosophy, and enjoy the hands-on experience of repairing and beautifying a broken object.
*All materials will be provided. Please note that during colder months (November through April), repaired pieces may not be ready to take home immediately after the workshop. They are typically available for pickup about one week later, or we can arrange shipping for you (domestic shipping is approximately $20)
Important Allergy Note
Avoid Possible allergies to Urushi Lacquer During Hands-on Experience Workshop: Kintsugi uses urushi lacquer, which contains the same allergen as poison ivy and may cause allergies. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following precautions will be taken:
- An allergy disclaimer will be included in course confirmation emails
- Students must wear gloves at all times during the class
- Alcohol wipes will be provided for cleaning hands after the session
- Students will receive instructions for handling their take-home piece
*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.
