Gold-Dusting: Finish a Kintsugi Repair

The last step of a kintsugi repair, and the one that makes the seam appear, done by your own hand. A chipped bowl has already been joined with urushi lacquer and brought to the point just before the gold goes on. You paint the lacquer with a brush, scatter pure gold powder over it, and the gold line comes up. While it sets, Imai-san talks about kintsugi and where it sits in Japanese culture, with photographs on a tablet. You take the piece home the same day, and it can be used a week later. Four seats. The regular kintsugi class runs in the same room at the same time, so you are working alongside people doing their own repairs. This session is for children aged 6 to 12, and an adult stays for the whole hour and works alongside them — his rule, and a sensible one with real lacquer on the table.

• checkChildren 12 and under may not attend alone — an adult takes part alongside them, and one adult may bring more than one child. From 13, a child may attend on their own.
• checkSessions are held on the first and third Saturday of the month as a rule. Obon, Golden Week and the New Year period vary — the calendar shows the real dates.
• checkBook at least one week ahead.
• checkTraditional method: real urushi lacquer, from the sap of the lacquer tree — no epoxy.
• checkLeft on the skin, urushi can cause itching some hours later, and how strongly varies from person to person. Wiped off at the time it is fine, and work gloves are provided.
• checkPure gold powder is used. If anyone has a metal allergy we recommend wearing one of the masks provided.
• checkAlmost everyone works safely with the gloves and mask. Please book knowing that an allergic reaction is possible, and that taking part is at your own risk.

Nothing to bring — the piece, the lacquer, the gold and the brushes are all here.

Free to cancel until 24 hours before — non-refundable after.