Kintsugi: For Beginners

Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese practice of repairing broken ceramics with gold—transforming damage into something meaningful.

Rather than hiding cracks, Kintsugi highlights them—embracing imperfection and honoring the history of an object.

In this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop, you’ll be guided through the full Kintsugi process from start to finish. Each participant will work with a broken ceramic piece and learn how to carefully mend it using modern, food-safe materials inspired by traditional techniques.

This experience emphasizes patience, care, and the idea that repair can create something stronger and more meaningful than before.

You’ll leave with your own restored piece.

• Guided, hands-on Kintsugi instruction
• All materials provided (food-safe)
• One ceramic piece to repair and take home

• No prior experience necessary
• Materials are safe and suitable for beginners
• The process includes epoxy putty and ceramic glue; gloves will be available if needed
  

Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago. Her work spans performance, installation, sound, and material-based practices, including Kintsugi.

Through her work, she explores memory, language, and cultural continuity through acts of repair and transformation.

Her work has been presented at institutions including the International Museum of Surgical Science (Chicago), Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, San Francisco Art Institute, and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

She holds an MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University and a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo.

• Limited to 17 participants to maintain a focused, hands-on experience
• No refunds for cancellations

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher SOCIETY 57