This intensive workshop with Kristina Mar, artist and ceramicist living in Japan, consists of two sessions:

Introduction to the historical context of the traditional Japanese Kintsugi method, explanation of the techniques and materials, discussion of each participant’s personal project approach, and practical application exercises.

Participants should bring a damaged piece (ceramic or wood) with a maximum size of 20 × 20 × 20 cm and up to 2–3 fragments to be reconstructed.

Beginning of the repair of each personal project.

Continuation of the repair process for each personal project.

Creation of a MURO — an essential area for lacquer curing and protection of the pieces under repair against damage, dust, and low humidity. Maintaining humidity around 70% is vital for curing natural Urushi lacquer.

The personal projects will be placed inside the MURO, a curing chamber made from cardboard boxes that participants bring with them, each box about 1–2 cm larger than the piece it holds. There will also be a demonstration and hands-on session of the final polishing and metal-application stage using small lacquered Kyoto porcelain pieces (antique), pre-prepared and cured by the instructor for this purpose.

As this is an intensive workshop, participants will need to complete the curing and finishing phase of their own projects at home after at least 10 days of curing. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase the Kintsugi practice kit* provided by the instructor.

Pre-orders for the kit should be placed by 30.07.2026 via email: [email protected].

Date: 26.09.2026

Schedule: 09:30–13:00 and 14:00–18:30

Lunch break: Please bring something to eat; drinks will be available on site

Location: Rua das Escolas Novas 605, 4485-122 Fornelo (see Google Maps)

Participants: Minimum 8, maximum 15

*The kit costs €120 and includes all materials and tools, presented in a beautiful Japanese red pine box, allowing participants to continue practicing after the workshop. The kit includes, in addition to tools and filling and polishing materials, gold powder (food safe) and 50 g of fresh Urushi lacquer. Since Kintsugi belongs partly to the field of jewelry-making—working with precious materials such as gold, silver, and pigment lacquer—all materials are used in small quantities (grams). The kit therefore contains enough material for many future restoration projects.

**Important notes: Participants must bring their own pairs of rubber gloves and disposable (“surgical”) masks, as fresh Urushi lacquer should be handled with care, particularly by beginners, due to the Urushiol component, which may cause allergic reactions. Also bring a small towel and a cardboard box large enough for the piece to be restored so it doesn’t touch the sides or top when closed.

Participants must be over 16 years old. No prior experience is required. Participants with previous experience in lacquer restoration may also bring pieces to continue or finish.

Urushi lacquer is a natural product and can cause skin allergies in beginners and sensitive individuals if handled without gloves. Participants who do not bring gloves cannot be accepted. Any allergic reactions that might occur—if the product accidentally touches the skin—are usually harmless if washed immediately in running water and typically do not require medical attention.