Kintsugi Jewelry: Art of Golden Repair with a Kyoto Master
Transform imperfections into eternal beauty through the ancient soul of Kyoto's craftsmanship.
Overview
Experience the profound philosophy of Wabi-sabi at Kyoto Karin, a sanctuary of traditional art nestled within a beautifully restored Kyo-machiya. This exclusive encounter is led by Kaori Kimura, a distinguished Kintsugi artist celebrated for her ability to breathe new life into broken ceramics, blending traditional soul with contemporary accessory design.
The experience is more than a workshop; it is an immersion into the serene, historic atmosphere of a Kyo-machiya. Under Master Kimura's expert guidance, you craft your own bespoke Kintsugi jewelry, such as a ring, brooch, or earrings. Each piece is designed to be completed and ready for you to take home the very same day, serving as a wearable masterpiece of your journey.
Following your creative session, you are invited to explore the first-floor gallery, where Master Kimura's original Kintsugi jewelry and art pieces are available for purchase, a rare privilege to acquire a masterpiece directly from the artist's own atelier.
Guided by a professional interpreter-guide, you meet directly at the venue. For your security and peace of mind, your guide's name, contact details, and photo are shared in advance. While this is a local-meeting experience, an optional hotel meet-up service (via public transport or private vehicle) is available for an additional fee.
Details
❖ Meeting with the Guide at Karin
Upon arrival at the atelier Karin, you are greeted by your professional interpreter-guide. The guide provides an orientation of the historic Kyo-machiya and the day's itinerary. In the unlikely event that you are running late, please contact your guide immediately using the contact details provided in advance to ensure a smooth transition into the workshop.
❖ Selection of Porcelain Fragments
10 - 15 min
Choose from a curated collection of premium Japanese porcelain fragments. Your selection forms the canvas for your jewelry, with each piece telling its own story through its glaze and texture.
❖ Composition and Mitate Design
15 - 20 min
Under Master Kimura's expert eye, arrange your fragments to find the perfect artistic balance. This process follows the concept of Mitate, reimagining broken shards as new, intentional art.
❖ Structural Bonding
15 - 20 min
Apply a specialized, high-quality resin to securely bond the fragments. This ensures the jewelry is durable for modern wear while preserving the delicate, organic lines of the original break.
❖ The Art of Maki-e Gold Application
20 - 25 min
The definitive Kintsugi moment. Using a fine-tipped brush, you trace the seams with gold powder, transforming the scars into radiant golden veins that celebrate the beauty of imperfection.
❖ Polishing and Assembly
10 min
Complete your work with a meticulous polish to reveal a sophisticated luster. Your creation is then professionally set into jewelry hardware, such as a pendant or earrings, ready to be worn.
❖ Gallery Visit and Art Collection
Following the workshop, you are invited to browse the private gallery on the first floor of the machiya. This serene space serves as an exclusive showroom for Master Kaori Kimura's signature works, featuring an exquisite collection of Kintsugi jewelry, delicate accessories, and traditional ceramics, each meticulously handcrafted by the artist herself. These one-of-a-kind pieces, ranging from functional tea bowls to avant-garde wearable art, are available for acquisition.
OPTIONS
Notes
Meeting Point
What's included:
Lecture by a professional Kintsugi artisan
English interpreter
Workshop fee
Material costs
Packaging
Photos of tour participants
Tax
What's not included:
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Free cancellation up to 8 days before the experience starts (local time)
Private experience
2
-
4
Participants
Kyoto
From ¥24.000 /person
1:30 hours
Traveler Photos
From ¥24.000 /person
1:30 hours
Kyoto