Registration required through Eventbrite. There are two iterations of this workshop: Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21. Please register for the date that works best for you. The workshops will be the same.

In partnership with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, we welcome artisan in residence Yuko Gunji, an artisan who specializes in Japanese kintsugi. During her residency, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this traditional Japanese craft through a curated series of events.

Kintsugi is a craft practice that involves repairing broken or chipped pottery with lacquer made from sap and decorating it with gold, silver, colored lacquer, and other materials. Instead of being hidden, the repaired cracks are emphasized. Kintsugi, which appreciates imperfections and the beauty of deterioration, is deeply associated with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi. It has become increasingly popular as a metaphor for the human spirit, transcending the boundaries of mere repair.

In this engaging workshop, participants have the unique opportunity to explore the craft of traditional Japanese kintsugi. Gain hands-on experience of modern kintsugi, which uses epoxy instead of the traditional material of lacquer to easily repair broken pieces. Epoxy is easier to handle and dries faster than lacquer, so you can finish your kintsugi work within the day. Make your own original piece while enjoying the beauty and philosophy of kintsugi!

All ages welcome. No expertise required. Limited seating available.

Supplies: All supplies are provided unless otherwise noted.

Please bring a small box or shoebox to transport your work home.

About Yuko Gunji
After studying kintsugi under Gen Saratani, a second-generation maki-e artist active in New York, Yuko Gunji apprenticed with Hakubun Chin, a lacquer artist in Japan, and deepened her knowledge of lacquer (the main material used in kintsugi). After becoming an independent kintsugi artist, she is now based in New York and receives requests for kintsugi restoration from all over the world, including the United States, Italy, Britain, Switzerland, Japan, and more. In addition to restoration, she conducts lectures, workshops, and kintsugi exhibitions.