Name of Workshop
Kintsugi for Beginners: Repair, Reflection, and Renewal

Workshop Description
Join Japanese artist Mami Takahashi for an introduction to Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. In this hands-on beginner workshop, participants will learn the foundations of modern Kintsugi techniques while repairing a small ceramic piece provided by the instructor.

Rather than hiding cracks or imperfections, Kintsugi highlights repair as part of an object’s history, transforming breakage into something meaningful and beautiful. Through guided instruction, participants will experience the careful and meditative process of mending while exploring the philosophy and cultural background behind the practice.

This workshop is designed for beginners and no prior experience is necessary.

Participants will complete and take home their repaired ceramic piece.

About Kintsugi
Kintsugi (金継ぎ), which translates roughly as “golden joinery,” developed in Japan as a method of repairing broken ceramics using lacquer and gold. Rather than disguising damage, the technique embraces breakage and repair as part of an object’s life and history.

Over time, Kintsugi has become associated not only with craftsmanship and aesthetics, but also with broader ideas of resilience, transformation, care, and impermanence. The process encourages patience, attentiveness, and an appreciation for imperfection.

This beginner workshop uses modern materials inspired by traditional Kintsugi methods in order to create an accessible and safe introduction to the practice.

What Participants Should Bring
No materials or prior experience are required. All workshop materials and tools will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing suitable for detailed hands-on work.

Materials Provided
All supplies are included in the workshop fee, including:

• Ceramic practice piece
• Adhesives and epoxy materials
• Gold-colored finishing materials
• Protective gloves/finger covers
• Kintsugi tools and supplies
• Instructional handouts

Participants will take home their completed Kintsugi piece at the end of the workshop.

Additional Workshop Information

This workshop uses epoxy putty in addition to ceramic adhesive materials as part of the beginner Kintsugi process. These materials may make participants’ fingers somewhat sticky during the workshop, and in some cases, small remnants of epoxy may remain on the skin for a few days afterward.

Protective gloves will be available for anyone who would like to use them.