Special Experience
Tokyo
Available Today: Experience Kintsugi & Learn to Breathe New Life into Broken Pottery in Minami-Aoyama
Overview
Experience the art of kintsugi and Japanese table coordination in this special Wabunka plan at the tableware gallery Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE. Established in 1986 in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, the store has supplied tableware to many top Japanese restaurants. Learn an ancient Japanese repair technique, create a one-of-a-kind work of art and embrace Japan's timeless beauty and sustainable spirit.
Key Features
・Learn the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi and take home your finished piece the same day. You can also bring broken ceramics for consultation
・Enjoy a lecture on kintsugi history and wabi-sabi culture in English, deepening your understanding of these ancient traditions
・Delight in Japanese sweets and tea during a tea break, while appreciating the beauty of Japanese table coordination
*The standard plan uses silver powder for the finish, but you can upgrade to gold powder for an additional fee.
Tokyo
from
¥29,000 /person
1 - 8 participants
120mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 58,000
Details
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Utsuwa Omusubi / Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE
Utsuwa Omusubi / Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE
A curated shop of Japanese tableware run by a well-established wholesaler since 1896. Alongside the main store in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, there is also a branch in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, and an online store. Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE, a gallery with workshop space, showcases the beauty of Japanese tableware through kintsugi workshops and exhibitions.
Customer's Voice
I had a wonderful experience at the kintsugi workshop and I am extremely pleased with the pieces I took home and the expert knowledge of the instructor.
E.D. United States
Aya was a great host and teacher. She was very welcoming and patient with us as we repaired our pottery and asked questions. Very informative presentation and fun experience overall.
V.P. France
Highly recommend. Very peaceful and just the right amount of learning & doing!!
P.B. New Zealand
Location
Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE
Minato Ward, Tokyo
Request for booking
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December 2024
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If your first choice is not available, we will confirm your booking based on your other preferred dates and times.
Additional Options
If you wish to use gold powder instead of silver powder, please select this option.
Upgrade to gold powder / person
JPY 7,000
0
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 29000 × 2 participants
JPY 58,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 29,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 2,900
Total Price
JPY 60,900
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Tokyo
from
¥29,000 /person
1 - 8 participants
120mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 58,000
Things to know
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.