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One-Hour Kintsugi Discovery Workshop

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > One-Hour Kintsugi Discovery Workshop

Bring damaged objects back to life with urushi lacquer and gold powder

Taito Ward

At Tsugu Tsugu, only a few streets away from Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district, broken plates and cups are given a second life thanks to kintsugi, a centuries-old Japanese technique used to repair damaged pieces of ceramic. Instead of hiding the scars of the objects, kintsugi highlights them using gold. Restored pieces become more beautiful and valuable than they ever were, at the same time paving the way towards a more sustainable future.

With the One-Hour Kintsugi Discovery Workshop, Tsugu Tsugu offers you the opportunity to experience the most impressive step of kintsugi: the dusting of gold powder! Tsugu Tsugu is specialized in traditional kintsugi, the only food safe kintsugi method. While modern techniques rely on chemical glues, traditional kintsugi exclusively uses natural ingredients such as urushi lacquer. The curing process of urushi is very slow and it highly depends on temperature and humidity levels. That is why it is highly uncommon to have a one-hour experience for traditional kintsugi.

The pieces of tableware used during the workshop have all been partially restored in advance. Guided in English by experienced teachers, each participant will apply the finishing layer using red lacquer and gold powder. Once the lacquer has hardened, you will be able to take home your object dusted with gold. Experience the art of embracing imperfection and create a unique memory of your trip to Japan! Reservation in advance is necessary.