Throughout October, Pantechnicon is shining a spotlight on kintsugi, a method and philosophy that has been present in Japanese culture for over 400 years.

Kintsugi is a Japanese craft that uses resin and powdered precious metals to fix, renew and create ceramics, it is primarily used to repair damaged tea ceremony items like tea bowls and other sentimental ceramic ware. It is said that when an object is repaired with kintsugi, the piece is now more beautiful for the damage it experienced and that the kintsugi proudly shows that the object has been on a journey.

Pantechnicon is celebrating the art of kintsugi throughout October with a shoppable display in their Studio space featuring the work of prominent kintsugi artists as well as a series of workshops so guests can learn about this special craft for themselves. Keep scrolling to find out more about the workshops taking place…

Create an Original Kintsugi Maki-e Coaster Set

Saturday 1 October, 10am – 11.30am, 2pm – 3.30pm, 4.30pm – 6pm

In this hands-on workshop guided by master lacquer craftsman Nobuyasu Suginaka, you will apply a beautiful ‘maki-e’ design to a set of wooden coasters using powdered brass. Maki-e is the final step of kintsugi that decorates something with metallic powder. There will be three designs to choose from – cherry blossom, Mt. Fuji, and maple leaf; alternatively choose to apply a short word, name, or initials using letter stamps.

This workshop is priced at £65 per person. To find out more and to book CLICK HERE.

Craft Your Own Kintsugi Maki-e Sprinkled Picture on a Trinket Tray

Sunday 2 October, 10am – 11.30am, 2pm – 3.30pm, 4.30pm – 6pm

During this workshop you will be guided by master lacquer craftsman Nobuyasu Suginaka, you’ll apply a beautiful ‘maki-e’ design to a wooden trinket tray using powdered brass. Maki-e is the final step of kintsugi that decorates something with metallic powder. There will be three designs for you to choose from – cherry blossom, a maple leaf, and geometric hemp leaf (which is believed to ward off evil); or choose to apply a short word, name, or initials using letter stamps.

This workshop is priced at £65 per person. To find out more and to book CLICK HERE.

Kintsugi Pottery Art Workshop with Iku Nishikawa

Saturday 8 October, 1.30pm – 3pm and Sunday 9 October 11am – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 3pm

Discover the art of kintsugi ceramic repair during this hands-on workshop. Using lacquer and powdered brass, you’ll be fixing cracks and breaks on a plate, resulting in a beautifully renewed piece of pottery to take home with you. Led by Kintsugi Oxford’s Iku Nishikawa, the small group workshop will teach you the key kintsugi techniques, as well as a few secret shortcuts to allow beginners to complete a finished product. It means you’ll not only walk away with your first piece of kintsugi art, but the knowledge to repair your own broken ceramic cups, plates, vases and more at home.

This workshop is priced at £75 per person. To find out more and to book CLICK HERE.

Kintsugi month is taking place throughout October at Pantechnicon, just a 7-minute walk from Knightsbridge tube station.

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