Kintsugi & Maki-e Workshops with Yuki Tessler
JACCU is always providing high quality courses and workshops for Japanese traditional arts and crafts for Utrecht residents. And from February 2024 on, Yuki Tessler, an experienced Japanese artist from Delft, is your guide to discovering Kintsugi and Maki-e techniques in Utrecht.
Contact Yuki to sign up for a workshop!
Kintsugi Workshops
Would you like to learn the art of Kintsugi, embracing the spirit of wabi-sabi, by means of modern or authentic restoration techniques? We offer various Kintsugi workshops in Utrecht.
What is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi [金継ぎ] is a traditional Japanese restoration technique that involves repairing broken pottery with Urushi [漆], Japanese lacquer, and painting them with gold, silver and vermilion. The concept behind Kintsugi is accepting and embracing scars and imperfections as history, and finding a new balance and a way of living with them. In this way, one can become stronger and more beautiful through the process, even after setbacks in life. This concept is deeply related to Wabi-Sabi.
What is Wabi-Sabi?
Wabi-Sabi [侘び寂び] is a concept that encourages one to constantly search for the beauty in imperfection and accepting the natural cycle of life. It reminds one that all things, including oneself and life itself, are impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect. The pursuit of perfection is impossible, and impermanence is the only constant.
Modern Kintsugi Workshop
If you are a beginner, you can learn Japanese restoration techniques using artificial glue through the modern kintsugi workshop.
1 Session: €59 (incl. 9% BTW)
2 Sessions: €79 (incl. 9% BTW)
Authentic Kintsugi Workshop
If you are interested in natural and traditional methods, then the authentic kintsugi workshop is best for you.
4 sessions: €129 (incl. 9% BTW)
8 sessions: €229 (incl. 9% BTW)
Authentic Kintsugi Masterclass
This course is perfect for craftsmen interested in mastering the Kintsugi restoration method thoroughly. You can learn advanced techniques for restoring various types of pottery. All materials and tools are provided, including the pieces to practise on. You can sign up per session and practise at your own pace.
16 sessions: €429 (incl. 9% BTW)
Contact Yuki to sign up for a workshop!
Workshop Details
It is possible to hold a class on a Saturday of every month. The workshops will take place if there are a minimum of 4 participants. You can contact the teacher to sign up for your desired workshop.
Next date: March 2, 2024
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: English or Japanese
Workshop Capacity: 4-8 people
Location: Van Starkenborghhof 62, 3527 HB Utrecht
Modern vs Authentic?
The main difference between modern and authentic methods is whether they are food safe or not.
Both modern and authentic methods teach you the correct techniques for repairing a broken pottery piece with gold.
In addition, you will learn new ways of patience and personal growth based on the Kintsugi philosophy.
Disclaimer
- All necessary tools are provided, so you only have to bring your broken pottery.
- In case you want to work on an unbroken piece, please do not break it yourself, but bring it in one piece instead.
- The multi-session workshops are not held on consecutive days, but you can register for consecutive weeks. The first session takes 3 hours, while the other sessions take a shorter amount of time.
- Please do keep in mind that you should not wash pottery fixed with the kintsugi technique in a dishwasher.
- You must complete the payment at least 48 hours before the workshop starts. If you cancel within 48 hours prior to the workshop, there will be no reimbursement.
Maki-e Workshops
Would you like to discover the captivating art of Maki-e, a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique? Immerse yourself in this ancient technique and create your own stunning craftworks.
What is Maki-e?
Maki-e [蒔絵] – literally meaning sprinkled picture – is a traditional technique unique to Japan. It is a form of Japanese lacquer painting where the design is sprinkled with gold or silver powder and has, for the longest time, been held in high recognition and renowned for its exquisite beauty and artistry. (Kurono Tokyo)
What is Urushi?
While Maki-e can be traced back to the 8th century, Japanese lacquer, urushi [漆] has a history dating back 7000 years in China. In Japan, its origins go back even further as burial accessories discovered in Hokkaido reveal traces of urushi dating back 9000 years, making them the oldest-known examples.
Urushi is a natural sap obtained from the urushi tree, and it has been favoured in Japan for centuries due to its decorative and protective qualities for woodenwares.
It was used both as paint and glue by ancient people. While it may cause skin irritation in liquid form, it becomes harmless once dried. Therefore, wearing gloves during the application is strongly advised.
Maki-e Workshop
In this workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns called wagara [和柄] or your own original designs. Your canvas can be a beautiful black lacquerware, a glass cup or a glass picture frame.
1 Session: €49
Glass Cup: €4
Glass Frame: €8
Lacquerware: €20
(incl. 9% VAT)
Workshop Details
It is possible to hold a class on a Saturday of every month. The workshop will take place if there is a minimum of 4 participants. You can contact the teacher to sign up for a workshop.
Next Date: February 10, 2024
Time: 13:30 – 16:00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Language: English or Japanese
Workshop Capacity: 4-8 people
Location: Van Starkenborghhof 62, 3527 HB Utrecht
Disclaimer
- All necessary tools are provided. You can bring your glass or lacquerware, or request one from the teacher.
- You can take this workshop as many times as you like, and paint a different design on a different material each time.
- You must complete the payment at least 48 hours before the workshop starts. If you cancel within 48 hours prior to the workshop, there will be no reimbursement.
Contact Yuki to sign up for a workshop!
Yuki Tessler
The workshop teacher, Yuki Kusama Tessler is a professional Japanese workshop provider based in Delft. She has been offering Kintsugi and Maki-e workshops in Amsterdam, Delft, Groningen, Rotterdam, France, and now also in Utrecht.
Yuki was born in Saitama, Japan. She embarked on a diverse journey, working as a stage lighting designer in Tokyo for a decade in her twenties, then moving to Australia in her thirties, developing a passion for pathology and working in anatomical pathology for seven years… Finally, in 2019, she moved to the Netherlands with her family. She loves European architecture and culture, while facilitating team-building and self-growth activities for universities, companies, and Japan-related events.
Through her company Japanworkshop.net, she is sharing and enriching her appreciation for the traditional heritage and craftsmanship from Japan. Her workshops take place in many enchanting cities of Europe, and her craft kits are being sold in many Japanese stores around the Netherlands. Join Yuki on this artistic and cultural journey that JACCU brings to Utrecht.
Website: Japanworkshopnet.com
Instagram: @japanworkshop.net_