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.