Learn Traditional Lacquer-based Kintsugi at a Historic Higashiyama Villa in Kyoto

Learn Traditional Lacquer Kintsugi from a Lacquer Artist

The traditional craft of kintsugi uses urushi lacquer and metal powder to repair broken ceramic vessels and damaged art pieces, giving them a second life. Rather than covering up the original breakage or hiding the fact of repair, damage is converted into decorative lines of eye-catching metallic powder, highlighting an individuality and history through scars. This craft’s approach invokes a profound Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy toward existence itself that has garnered international popularity in recent years.

Works by Heki, born anew through kintsugi

Mio Heki is your instructor, an artist and restorer who works with lacquer and jewelry. She also runs the Atelier Hifumi workshop, which has restored national treasures and other registered important cultural properties. Heki has held original jewelry exhibitions and kintsugi classes in major cities across the globe.

“I hope people can experience Japan’s aesthetic sensibilities working in this quiet space surrounded by greenery,” says Heki

Though kintsugi has been widely adapted into more modern approximations with synthetic materials and simplified approaches, Heki’s work is characterized by the use of traditional materials and techniques to the maximal possible extent, such as urushi lacquer, which has been used in the art since ancient times. “I try to preserve Japanese tradition in its natural form,” says Heki.

Historical Tradition in a Modern Japanese Villa Emblematic of Higashiyama, Kyoto

The venue for this experience is Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925, set in one of Kyoto’s most popular areas for visitors. Originally built in 1925 as the villa of a copper processing magnate who headed a company in business since the Edo Period (1603-1868), the building was completely renovated in 2013 by a rising star in the world of interior design. Today, it welcomes guests as a wedding venue and restaurant.

A grand Nishijin silk peacock textile adorns the ceiling above the entrance

Leading kimono fashion designer Jotaro Saito lent his unique sensibilities to the decor, with textiles of Nishijin silk depicting magnificent peacocks beckoning visitors into an extraordinary space. Befitting the manor built for the head of a storied copper business, decorations of copper and brass also adorn the interior, adding gravity and splendor.

Extensive use of Nishijin silk decorations gives the interior a unique and luxurious charm

The in-house authentic French restaurant Kodaiji Kiwami is the experience venue. More of Saito’s Nishijin silk textiles can be found here, forming the chair back upholstery and bedecking the walls to create a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Delve Deep into Japanese Aesthetics and a Philosophy of Rebirth

Begin with a talk from Heki about kintsugi. As she explains, the art form flourished in Japan for two reasons. One was a broad traditional philosophy emphasizing awareness of nature’s blessings and the preciousness of things. The other was more specific: the popularity of chanoyu, or tea ceremony. The same traditional aesthetics and philosophies underlying kintsugi also pervade the latter, and tea vessels have traditionally been repaired in tea ceremony rather than replaced, as a way of finding wabi-sabi beauty in damage, aging, and decay. This gave kintsugi a natural place to shine, and nurtured sensibilities of respecting individual histories and finding beauty in cracks, chips, and other imperfections.

A sample repaired product, where the lines of breakage have become new beauty

Getting to witness Heki’s delicate restoration techniques up close is a highlight of this experience, as is the apropos use of brass powder, befitting the Akagane Resort’s history as the villa of a copper magnate.

Focus deeply as you apply lacquer to the seams to join with kintsugi

Primarily an alloy of copper and zinc, brass exhibits a rich golden sheen. Using it on repairs creates seams that pop, drawing the eye to give new life and unique personality. For an additional fee, participants can also choose to try kintsugi using real gold powder.

The Thrill of Creating with Your Hands

After Heki’s talk, it’s time to try kintsugi for yourself. Choose from a variety of broken vessels to find the one with the color, shape, and character that speaks to you. Heki mainly offers traditional pottery like Kyoto’s famous kiyomizu-ware.
You’ll use a thin bamboo stick to apply a bonding agent to the cracked edges and gently stick them together. When the adhesive has hardened, fill in the remaining gaps with putty and use sandpaper or a specialized knife to smooth and polish it. With Heki’s guidance, even absolute beginners can work confidently. 

The finished look varies greatly depending upon the original break

When the bonding is complete, brush lacquer onto the fine seam and finish by sprinkling brass powder and brushing it gently with a special brush. Finally, rub in a circular motion with a cotton ball to smooth the surface. Experience the satisfaction of craft restoration and creation entirely by hand.

Enjoy the special feeling of focus that only craft work can offer, and the joy of completing something with your own hands

Purely traditional kintsugi is a process that takes several days to complete. This experience focuses on the main highlights of the process, allowing participants to experience the gist in a reasonable time frame and take home their completed product on the day.

Take home your work in its box, and let the lacquer set for a day (photo for illustration purposes only)

Bask in the Afterglow of Creation with a Variety of Refreshment Options

As a Wabunka-exclusive optional add-on, enjoy lunch, dinner, or a tea and dessert set at the resort. The dessert on offer is the famed matcha opera cake from the resort’s Salon de Kanbayashi, a cafe specializing in Japanese teas. 

Matcha opera cake is a popular dessert fusing Japanese and Western tastes

French meal courses full of subtle delicate flavors are offered for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a relaxing meal bursting with Japanese seasonal ingredients in a gorgeous premium dining space.

Bonding Hearts with Kintsugi

“Learning the art of kintsugi can be a chance to experience traditional Japanese aesthetics and expand the horizons of your own values and outlook,” says Heki. “I hope this can become a precious memory for you.” Breathe new life into fine tableware, and experience traditional beauty in a luxurious space that epitomizes the elegant charm of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district.

Share a moment with Heki, listening to her thoughts on lacquer art