The art of Kintsugi involves breathing new life into a broken object by repairing it while highlighting its cracks rather than hiding them. In Japan, this practice originally involved repairing ceramics so they could be reused. It draws on several techniques from the millennia-old craft of plant-based lacquer (urushi).

This workshop offers a 5-day immersion in the art of kintsugi to discover the techniques and methods of plant-based lacquer (urushi).

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Carry out the steps necessary for creating kintsugi pieces
• Use the tools and techniques involved in the entire process
• Understand the principle of urushi lacquer polymerization

Over the course of five days, participants learn about and practice the four main steps of kintsugi: gluing, filling, surface smoothing, and finishing. Guided by instructor Blandine Hamon, they master the tools and techniques of this practice by working on their own objects, each with its own unique characteristics.

They also learn about polymerization curing—a process unique to this natural material—which requires a slower pace of work. Depending on the pieces to be repaired and their curing times, some may need to be temporarily bonded with synthetic materials so that the final steps can be completed.

During drying times, participants explore the traditional craft of plant-based lacquer, which inspired Japanese artisans to create kintsugi.

Day 1

Afternoon

• Introduction to plant-based lacquer and kintsugi.
• Examination and assessment of the pieces to be repaired.
• Begin gluing the pieces and select the appropriate adhesives.

Day 2

Morning and Afternoon

• Continuation of gluing the pieces.
• Beginning of the filling stage, with an introduction to the various fillers and a hands-on practice session.

Day 3

Morning and afternoon

• Sanding the layers of filler.
• Application of the intermediate lacquer.

Day 4

Morning and afternoon

• Sanding the intermediate lacquer coats.
• Beginning of the application of the topcoat and sprinkling of metallic powders.

Day 5

Morning

• Completion of the application of the topcoat and sprinkling of metallic powders.

Afternoon

• Group review of the completed kintsugi pieces.
• Feedback on the workshop and discussions among participants.
• Tidying up the workshop.

Warning

Plant-based lacquer can cause allergic reactions, but don’t worry! The amounts used are very small. Gloves will be provided to participants.

Blandine Hamon is an artisan specialising in lacquerwork, a demanding craft that combines technical skill, patience and artistic sensitivity. After studying applied arts, she trained in lacquerwork at the École Olivier de Serres in Paris, before continuing her apprenticeship in Japan at Kyoto University of the Arts. This immersion enabled her to deepen her knowledge of urushi, the traditional Japanese plant-based lacquer, and to develop an approach informed by the fusion of ancestral craftsmanship and contemporary creation.

On her return to France in 2017, she established her practice at HB Laque, where she uses this unique material to create pieces and surfaces with profound and luminous qualities. Her career reflects a commitment to passing on and promoting the arts and crafts, as well as a constant exploration of materials, time and the artisanal process.

• Classrooms, multipurpose rooms, workshops with professional equipment
• Supply of materials
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop-based learning
• Active participation and hands-on experimentation by participants are emphasized

• Group and personalized progress tracking, regular updates
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Group presentation
• Attendance sheet by half-day
• Certificate of completion issued by Campus MaNa