Kintsugi Experience

Kintsugi is a Japanese art in which broken or chipped vessels are beautifully reborn using natural lacquer(urushi), gold, and other natural materials. Experience the traditional beauty that has been passed down from ancient times.
 










 

Experience Program

1.What is Kintsugi and Urushi?
 -The history of kintsugi, which dates back 6,000 years!
 -Traditional kintsugi uses natural material named 'urushi' as an adhesive and paint.
-Urushi is sap of tree named Urushi.
 
   

2.Kintsugi Demonstration
 -Kintsugi Process
 ‐Demonstration by Kintsugi artist
 ・Knead flour and mix it with lacquer to make an adhesive to stick broken vessels together.
 ・Coat with lacquer and sprinkle with gold (brass) powder.
 


3.Let’s try Kintsugi!
 ‐Paint lacquer to the dish. It is a little difficult to apply the lacquer in fine lines and small areas, but you can do it!

 -Allow it to dry a little. In the meantime, enjoy beautiful wagashi. Matcha green tea is also available as an option.
 -Sprinkle brass/tin powder on the lacquer.
  
 -Then put it in a box and take it home*. After a week it can be used.
   *We also offer the optional service of drying them and then delivering them to your hotel.

Please note the following, as we use natural ‘Urushi’ lacquer

1. If undried lacquer should get on your skin, there is a possibility of a rash. 
Dried lacquer is safe to touch. Since only a small amount of lacquer is used in kintsugi,there have been no cases of rashes in FEEL J's kintsugi classes. We will take the utmost precautions, such as explaining how to handle the lacquer and providing gloves and arm covers, so please be careful yourself, too. We cannot be held responsible in the event of a rash. Please see a dermatologist as soon as possible on your own.

2.Do not wash lacquer with water if it gets on your hands, but remove it with oil. Let us know first so we can help you. No problem if taken right away.

3.Do not touch the kintsugi vessel for about a week until it is completely dry.
Urushi lacquer reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air and hardens (dries). It takes 1 day to 1 week, depending on the climates. After a week, please make sure it is dry by pressing Kintsugi area with a tissue before washing it and using it.

4.Do not place kintsugi vessels in microwave ovens or dishwashers. Do not leave it in the water for long time. Such actions will weaken the adhesive area. 

Finally…
Enjoy making the one and only Kintsugi in the world!