MARINA KAWATA: JAPANESE KINTSUGI
18 OCT – 8 NOV 2025
Repair your cherished pottery with lacquer, silver and gold in the Japanese tradition.
Over four 2-hour sessions (with one week of drying time between each), you’ll learn to:
– Fill chips and mend breaks with clay, wood, and Urushi lacquer
– Sand and seal repairs to make them water-resistant
– Apply gold or silver powder for the signature metallic finish
Kintsugi is patient and detailed: be prepared to spend time on tiny lines and chips. By the final session, you’ll be proud—and amazed—by your restored piece.
About Kintsugi
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with real silver or gold. Every crack is unique, and instead of hiding damage, Kintsugi highlights it—reminding us that healing can be beautiful. Something once broken isn’t less valuable; it carries a new story and a chance for new life.
About Marina Kawata
Marina is a ceramicist trained in the traditional Urushi lacquer technique, and of Japanese heritage raised in the U.S. She brings an international perspective and deep respect for this centuries-old craft. Through Kintsugi, she teaches the value of caring for what we already have, one delicate repair at a time.
Schedule & Locations
All sessions 13:00 – 15:00
Day 1: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Introduction to Kintsugi, materials, and tools. Going over safety and overall process. We will start repairing your piece.
Day 2: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Sanding and Filling cracks using clay/wood/Urushi. Depending on the type of break, we will use different ways of fixing.
Day 3: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Sanding your previous fix. Sealing the mend with Urushi to make it water resistant.
Day 4: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Filing/Sanding using charcoal. Sowing gold/Silver powder.
What to Bring
1. Wear a long-sleeve working shirt
2. One broken pottery piece that:
– Fits comfortably in one hand
– Is in no more than four pieces
– Holds personal value
All specialized materials (Urushi lacquer, charcoal, clay, gold/silver powder, tools) are provided.
Guide to a good piece to bring:
Language: English
Price: 2300 DKK
All specialized materials (Urushi lacquer, charcoal, clay, gold/silver powder, tools) are provided.
Meals and Drinks
Participants are responsible for providing their own meals. However Guldagergaard provides lunch all days. You are welcome to use the communal kitchen in the manor house. During the workshop, we will also provide coffee and tea.
Accommodation during the Workshop
Unfortunately, it is not possible to stay at Guldagergaard. However, we refer you to Hotel Postgården or Kaptajnhuset.
Add on: Short-term Residency Option
Guldagergaard offers workshop participants the option to book a one or two-week residency before the workshop for an additional fee of 2500 DKK. This price includes access to studio facilities and accommodation for one week. It does not cover additional firings and materials.
For any questions regarding the workshop, or to reserve a short-term residency, please send an e-mail to: oskar@ceramic.dk
