Kintsugi, the centuries-old Japanese art of repairing ceramics with lacquer and precious metals, invites us to rethink the value of imperfection. Rather than hiding cracks, it highlights them, turning what is broken into something singular and poetic. At Hanamurasaki, this hands-on workshop offers participants the opportunity to engage with this profound practice in an environment shaped by stillness and reflection.
Under the guidance of a seasoned artisan, guests are introduced to the traditional materials and techniques used in Kintsugi, including urushi lacquer and powdered gold. Each participant receives a broken ceramic piece to restore, learning to work with patience, precision, and care. The process is meditative and tactile, requiring a sensitivity not just to the object, but to time and transformation.
As lacquer binds fragments back together, the object becomes more than functional again. It becomes storied. It holds within it the trace of its past, the labor of its repair, and the grace of having been renewed. In the quiet space of Hanamurasaki, surrounded by natural textures and the presence of the gorge just beyond, the Kintsugi workshop offers more than a craft. It becomes a quiet reflection on resilience, continuity, and beauty found through care.
