Kintsugi Experience
Tour
73,000yen/ 2 persons
14:30-16:00 (1hr30min)
Meeting Point:
Family Mart Kikugawa (MAP)
Language:English/Japanese/Fench/German/Spanish/Chinese
What's Included: English-speaking Guide, your work, tea
Tour Overview
Maki-e is a lacquer art technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto lacquer to create decorative designs.
Kaga maki-e is renowned for its ability to convey depth and perspective using only gold. Through precise control of gold powder and repeated polishing, it creates designs with a striking three-dimensional quality.
Kiyose Ikko, an artist who has inherited and preserved the traditional techniques of Kaga maki-e, has dedicated many years to creating intricate works of art with exceptional attention to detail.
Kintsugi
Kintsugi is a traditional lacquer technique used to repair broken ceramics by filling or joining the damaged areas with lacquer, then decorating them—often with gold or silver powder. This process transforms the cracks into new patterns, turning the repaired piece into something unique and beautiful. The philosophy behind kintsugi is just as powerful as its appearance: instead of hiding imperfections, it highlights them, honoring the history of the object and giving it renewed life.
Akihito Kiyose, born in 1969 in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is the third-generation successor of the esteemed Ikko Kiyose. The eldest son of Ikko Kiyose II, he moved to Kanazawa City at the age of five. There, he became fascinated by maki-e after watching his grandfather, the original Ikko Kiyose, at work.
At 23, Akihito began his career in the family’s maki-e studio. Since then, he has devoted himself to perfecting the opulent techniques of Kaga maki-e, while also pursuing the finesse required for more delicate expressions. Today, he continues to explore and challenge the possibilities of Kaga maki-e with creativity and dedication.
In 2006, he was certified as a Japanese Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. In 2012, he was recognized by Ishikawa Prefecture as an Excellent Craftsman of Traditional Industry.
For this special experience, you’ll be working on a piece that has been carefully crafted by a master artisan—right up to the final finishing stage. You’ll have the unique opportunity to take part in the “lacquer application” and “gold powder coating” of the final joint, using the same traditional tools that the craftsmen themselves use. Not only will you learn about the beauty and precision of this time-honored technique, but you'll also bring home a piece that you've helped complete—a one-of-a-kind souvenir with your own personal touch. It's a rare chance to step into the world of Japanese craftsmanship and create a lasting memory with your own hands.
Tour Details
73,000 yen/ 2 persons
* 73,000 yen is up to 2 persons. An additional fee of ¥15,000 is charged for each additional person.
*The guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point (convenience store mentioned), as the workshop is the artisan's home. Please do not go directly to the workshop.
◎Schedule
14:20 Meet
14:20-14:30 Walk to the Workshop
14:30-14:45 Workshop Tour
14:45-16:00 Kintsugi Experience
◎Payment Method : By Credit Card / PayPal
＞Payment and Cancellation Details
Number of guests required for this tour/experience to take place
Minimum number of guests*
Maximum number of guests*
2
4