2026 kintsugi residency
Kintsugi Residency is a four-week immersive program designed specifically for artists and creative practitioners who seek to build a foundation in urushi-based kintsugi practice and maki-e, a decorative method originated in urushi lacquer art. Artists will gain the essential knowledge to plan and carry out traditional urushi-based kintsugi repairs and apply maki-e decorative techniques in their own kintsugi practices.
Highlights
Kintsugi for Artists — a practice-driven curriculum tailored to creative practitioners to build an independent practice in art or kintsugi repair.
Maki-e & Lacquer Art Instructions — an introduction to traditional decorative techniques of maki-e, the traditional urushi artform that kintsugi is based on.
Kintsugi Kit — each artist will receive a professional urushi-based kintsugi kit including valuable real gold powder, gold leaf, brushes, spatulas, and maki-e materials, etc., to support your residency projects and beyond the residency.
Guided Studio Projects — from start to finish
Different kinds of kintsugi repair methods using natural urushi lacquer.
An introduction to build a foundational knowledge in urushi lacquer and maki-e techniques.
Your personal projects are encouraged with instructor guidance.
Curated Field Trips — to local suppliers, cultural places, and a tea ceremony experience to deepen understanding of kintsugi, urushi, aesthetics, and traditional craftsmanship.
Dedicated Studio Environment — each artist will have a personal work desk in a shared studio. There will be professional studio tools and an urushi furo (the special storage to cure kintsugi and urushi artworks).
4-weeks Accommodation in Toma House AIR – choose between staying in the 18-century historic Toma House, or in the newly renovated annex Toma Beige next door.
This Program is For
Artists, potters, and ceramicists who are seeking to learn traditional urushi-based kintsugi and maki-e techniques to integrate into their own artistic practices.
Craftspeople, conservators, designers and related practitioners who are interested in kintsugi repairs.
Anyone who wants to learn traditional kintsugi and creative ways to decorate with maki-e techniques.
Prior experience with kintsugi, urushi and maki-e is not required.