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This private workshop offers a calm and reflective experience combining Kintsugi, the Japanese art of golden repair, with a gentle Matcha tea moment. Through the philosophy of “finding beauty in imperfection,” participants will explore renewal and resilience — mending broken ceramics as a metaphor for healing and transformation.
Workshop Outline
Matcha Experience (20–30 minutes) A quiet tea moment to begin, setting a reflective and peaceful atmosphere.
Kintsugi Introduction (15 minutes) An overview of the philosophy and history of Kintsugi, finding beauty in repair.
Demonstration (15 minutes) Explanation of how traditional urushi lacquer is used and a live demonstration of the bonding process.
Hands-on Session (70–90 minutes) Guests will bond and decorate ceramic pieces prepared in advance.
Bonding and decorating will be done on different pieces.
Each participant will complete one decorated piece to take home as a meaningful keepsake.
Reflection & Photos (10 minutes) A closing moment for sharing and group photos.
Important Allergy Note
This Kintsugi workshop uses traditional urushi lacquer, which contains urushiol — the same natural compound found in poison ivy. All participants will be provided with protective gloves and guided through safe handling procedures. The risk of allergic reaction is very low as long as instructions are followed carefully.
If anyone has a known allergy to poison ivy or plant-based resins, please inform the organizer in advance.
By signing up for this event, I acknowledge that I have been informed of the potential risk of allergic reaction associated with urushi lacquer, and I voluntarily assume full responsibility for my participation.
*All video and images courtesy of makomako and Fou Gallery
Instructor
makomako.kintsugi is a New York based Kintsugi artist and Chanoyu practitioner. The breaking of a tea bowl led her to the study of Kintsugi – the Japanese art of ceramic restoration using urushi lacquer and gold. She studied with lacquer master and Kintsugi specialist Gen Saratani, Rongqiang Wu and Bowen Chen. She specializes in using natural materials for Kintsugi, and through study, practice, exploration, and reflection, she has developed a new understanding of "beauty" — the pursuit of "exquisite beauty" in traditional Chinese aesthetics is replaced by letting "beauty" be restored and cherished through ages. This timeless perception is also what she hopes to convey to the audience through this course.
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.