Sep. 08, 2023 UPDATE
''Kintsugi" workshop - Learn from a nationally recognized master craftsman
- 国が認めた名工に学ぶ「金継ぎ」ワークショップ -Traveler Friendly
The staff does not speak English, but they are polite and warm.
Information
English
Languages spoken
Offered in Japanese, with friendly Sharing Kyoto guide interpreting in English
PeriodWeekdays (Monday through Friday) From 6/30 (Fri) to 11/30 (Thu), 2023
*Except 9/18 (Mon), 10/9 (Mon), 11/3 (Fri), 11/23 (Thu)
Venue7-7 Nishi-suyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8833
Story & Recommendation
An old but new technique that expresses the Japanese sense of beauty (acceptance of imperfection) and the spirit of valuing things
If you would like to participate, please apply here! Kintsugi is a traditional technique that adds a wonderful touch to damaged objects. This technique symbolically represents the Japanese sense of beauty (acceptance of imperfection) and the spirit of valuing things. The restored object is transformed into a completely new and unique object while retaining the story of the past, so that it can be used with love and care again. In this session, you will learn directly from a master craftsman who has been engaged in the creation and restoration of Buddhist ritual objects for over 50 years, and is recognized by the government as a traditional craftsman who maintains advanced skills and techniques, and has also received the Order of Merit. Interacting with artisans who have been creating traditional Japanese crafts may be an opportunity to expand your world.
1Highlight
What you can learn from experience
Essentially, this technique is 100% natural raw material and can be restored. Traditionally, the actual joining is not done with gold, but with "urushi" (the sap of the urushi tree). This is to take advantage of lacquer's ability to harden with moisture.
Lacquer's durability is also astonishing: it is resistant to acids, alkalis, salts, and alcohol, and has excellent water resistance, heat insulation, and antiseptic properties (it is only vulnerable to ultraviolet rays). Because of these characteristics, lacquer has been used since the Jomon period for gluing and decorating earthenware, and a variety of techniques have developed to use lacquer, such as layering, polishing, and decorating with gold and shells.
Learning about lacquer through this experience will lead to a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture.
2Let's join!
Instructor：Mr. Tsutomu Matsuda
He is a skilled master craftsman and is well versed in "lacquer" used in traditional Japanese crafts. Friendly and personable, he has a sound knowledge of lacquer and a wealth of experience, teaching not only about Kintsugi but also a wide range of other Japanese crafts. He is also happy to show you his own works (Buddhist altars and ritual articles), helping you to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
－Over 50 years of experience in the production of Buddhist altarware and other artifacts, winning numerous awards at competitions
－In 2004, he was certified as a traditional craftsman (a national qualification for those with advanced skills and techniques in traditional crafts)
－In 2019, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays
