Available Today: Experience Kintsugi & Learn to Breathe New Life into Broken Pottery in Minami-Aoyama

A Hidden Japanese Tableware Gallery in Minami Aoyama

Minami-Aoyama, close to Shibuya and Harajuku, is one of Tokyo's most sophisticated areas. It is home to art galleries like the Nezu Museum and the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, as well as trendy fashion and gourmet food. The venue for this experience, Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE, is near Kotto Dori, an area once known for its many antique shops.

A serene workshop that lets you escape the city's hustle and bustle

In a room within a vintage apartment building, you are welcomed by a display of carefully chosen Japanese tableware from across Japan. Designed for Japanese food culture, most pieces are small or medium, suited for lifting with hands and using chopsticks. Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE offers a variety of dishes that fit comfortably in the hand.

A diverse display of ceramics, from elegant to chic, all in one place

The Joy of Selecting Japanese Tableware That Speaks to You

Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese repair technique, is featured in this plan. The word "kintsugi" means "gold" and "to connect" or "to inherit" in kanji characters. Broken or chipped pottery are joined with lacquer, and the cracks are adorned with silver (gold can be used for an additional fee). This technique turns the broken parts into a design element, giving new life to the vessels.

The repaired part in kintsugi is called "scenery"

First, choose a pottery piece for kintsugi repair from the selection prepared for this experience. Each piece is unique, so picture its restored appearance and select the one you like best. The pottery used in this experience is not for sale due to small scratches and cracks from manufacturing and distribution, but remains high-quality and valuable.

You can also bring your own objects for kintsugi repair. Please provide us with the size and a photo when making your reservation.

Quality ceramics with minor imperfections from manufacturing and distribution

Once you have chosen a vessel, carefully sand the edges, apply a thin layer of glue evenly, and join the pieces together. Use your fingertips to check for any unevenness caused by misalignment. Once the adhesive sets, gently remove any excess with a rounded knife for a smooth finish.

The instructor will help you with challenging tasks

Active Meditation Through Focused Craftsmanship

Carefully apply putty to areas with fine grooves or chips using your fingers. Once the putty hardens, gently scrape off excess with water-resistant sandpaper. Repeating this process improves the appearance and texture of the piece. As you focus on the vessel and immerse in the work, you will enter a pleasant state of active meditation.

Using putty to shape the piece

While waiting for the pieces to harden, listen to your instructor speak on the history and philosophy of kintsugi. Kintsugi's influence has expanded beyond Japan, impacting the global art scene. This lecture offers a valuable opportunity to understand the charm and depth of kintsugi, and to delve deeper into the culture and spirit of Japan.

Sharpen your senses as you engage in the process

Turning Imperfections into Unique Art

Following the lecture, it is time to apply the lacquer. Lacquer is the filtered and refined sap of the lacquer tree. Its strong adhesive and antibacterial properties, as well as beautiful shine make it a staple in Japanese crafts. Remember to wear gloves when handling lacquer to avoid skin irritation.

Using black lacquer with silver powder and vermilion lacquer with gold powder enhances the shine of each metallic color

While the lacquer dries, indulge in a tea time with Japanese sweets and tea. Coordinate trays and dessert plates with the Japanese tableware from the gallery. Create your original setup by mixing and matching tableware with different textures.

Enjoy a variety of tableware combinations

After tea time comes the highlight of the experience. The finishing touch involves applying silver powder (or gold powder with the optional upgrade) to the lacquered areas. Brush on the powder, then polish with a cotton ball, and watch as the vessel starts to shine. It is as if it was meant to be this way from the start. Witness the magical transformation of a broken and imperfect object reborn into a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Silver for a modern look, gold for a luxurious finish

Understanding Japanese Aesthetics and Spirit with Kintsugi

You can take your finished piece home on the same day. To ensure proper drying of the lacquer, place moistened cotton inside the wooden box. You can begin using it two weeks after the experience. Use it as daily tableware or display it as an art piece. Avoid using dishwashers, dryers, microwave ovens, and abrasive detergents.

Delight in discovering unique tableware

Kintsugi's philosophy of "repairing and enhancing beauty" instead of discarding broken pieces, and "embracing individuality" may be an answer to the challenges of today's consumer society. Why not experience the rich Japanese aesthetics and spirit of kintsugi at Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE?