The Very Japanese Kintsugi Workshop
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Understand Kintsugi The Japanese Way
Kintsugi is more than a technique—it offers a glimpse into the Japanese way of seeing the world, shaped by the humble beauty of wabi-sabi. This traditional aesthetic embraces imperfection and transience, finding quiet elegance in the worn, the weathered, and the broken. It reflects a deep cultural humbleness—an acceptance of flaws, rather than a need to hide them.
How We Design Your Kintsugi Experience
After trying several Kintsugi workshops in London, we felt something was missing—depth, cultural context, and intention. So the team at Dear Asia set out to design our own. As professional educators, we’ve carefully crafted a meaningful experience that honours tradition while being accessible for beginners. Our workshop fits perfectly around our school’s craft tables—no heavy tools or gear needed, just mindfulness and care – an afternoon to sink into making something meaningful and beautiful.
What Makes Our Workshop Special
🧘♂️ Philosophy Meets Practice
We’ll start by sharing simple Japanese phrases and etiquette to ease you into a calm, mindful state. This short exercise reflects the humble, less-is-more spirit of Japanese culture—and helps you connect more deeply with the ritual of Kintsugi.
🍵 Authentic Atmosphere
From traditional Japanese treats to a carefully curated playlist, every detail is designed to immerse you in an atmosphere that’s both authentic and welcoming. We aim to create the perfect setting—one that deepens the meaning of the workshop while keeping things light, relaxed, and sociable.
🎨 Hands-On Crafting
You’ll discover two Kintsugi techniques and choose the one that suits your piece. Whether you bring your own item or select from ours, we’ll guide you step by step to create something truly personal and beautiful.
What to Expect at Our Kintsugi Workshop
🛗 Arrival – Head up to the 6th floor, where your instructors will be ready to welcome you.
⏰ Arriving early? Feel free to relax on our comfy sofas and make yourself at home.
🍵 Refreshments – Enjoy free tea and coffee from us. Depending on the monthly theme, we might prepare a selection of specially curated Japanese treats just for youl
🙏 Japanese Greeting & Humbleness – Learn the traditional Japanese way of greeting and the cultural value of humility, a key philosophy behind Kintsugi.
🎎 Discover the Craft – Explore the philosophy behind Kintsugi, observe different techniques, and choose your ceramic piece to work on.
🎨 The Crafting Process – Settle in at the craft table and immerse yourself in the mindful repair journey. Reconnect hand and mind as you piece your work back together.
💌 Final Touches – Dedicate your piece with a heartfelt message. You’ll leave with a beautiful Kintsugi creation to treasure or gift to someone special.
Event Details to Know
- Monthly Sessions – Held once a month with a max of 16 people for a warm, personal setting.
- Beginner-Friendly – No experience needed—perfect for all ages. Come solo or with friends and family.
- Your Piece or Ours – Bring a broken ceramic or choose one of ours. Two ticket options available.
- Session Time – Takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Location – Just outside Aldgate East Station. Full access info will be emailed to you before the event.
Details of the event
Cultural introduction
Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, carries deep cultural significance rooted in the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces imperfection and transience. Rather than discarding broken items, Kintsugi honors their flaws as part of their history, symbolizing resilience, healing, and transformation. This practice reflects traditional Japanese values like mottainai (avoiding waste) and encourages mindful living in contrast to modern consumerism. Spiritually, it resonates with ideas of renewal found in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, while also serving as a narrative vessel that preserves the memory and identity of objects through their visible scars.
Want to hire us?
Bespoke event for you!
Dear Asia is a London-based event organiser specialising in creative workshops celebrating Asian cultures. With years of experience, our team excels at hosting engaging events for groups of 15-60 people in your office. We’re passionate about what we do, but our capacity is limited. If you’d like us to run an event for you, visit this page for more details and get in touch!
