Kintsugi Residency: Learn Urushi-Based Traditional Kintsugi & Maki-e in Nara, Japan (2027)

Organizer

Toma House AIR

Kintsugi Residency: Learn Urushi-Based Traditional Kintsugi & Maki-e in Nara, Japan (2027) Deadline: 30 Apr 2027 Country: Japan KINTSUGI FOR ARTISTS – An Immersive Program in Traditional Urushi Kintsugi & Maki-e Techniques The Kintsugi Residency is a 4-week program for those who are interested in kintsugi to build a foundation in traditional urushi-based kintsugi and maki-e decoration techniques. Guided by an experienced artist alongside guest lecturers, practical workshops, and curated field trips, artists will acquire essential knowledge to carry out traditional urushi-based kintsugi repairs and apply maki-e in their own practices. HIGHLIGHTS ＊Learn traditional urushi-based kintsugi repair and decorative maki-e techniques. ＊Practice-driven curriculum tailored to help artists build an independent practice. ＊Guided studio practice and individual mentoring by an experienced artist. ＊Take home an artisan-grade professional kintsugi kit to support artis’t long-term practice. ＊All-English supported lessons with a dedicated interpreter and exclusive English Kintsugi Handbook. ＊Curated field trips to local craft studios, suppliers, and cultural sites. ＊Personal worktable in a fully equipped shared studio space. ＊4-week accommodation within an 18th-century cultural property in the heart of Nara City – the attractive ancient capital of Japan with rich history and craft heritage. APPLICATION DEADLINES: Spring Session: December 30th, 2026 Autumn Session: April 30th, 2027 (Note: Applications may close early if spaces are filled.) COVER ARTWORK CREDIT 2026 © Kintsugi Bowl by Claire Olivier (2026 Kintsugi Residency) Duration of residency 4-week program: Spring Session: April 17 – May 14, 2027 Autumn Session: September 11 – October 8, 2027 Accommodation 4-week private bedroom in shared accommodation in the heart of Nara City: Choose between an 18th-century registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan or the residency annex building. Shared spaces include: The studio, fully furnished kitchen, shower, toilets, laundry facilities, garden, and common areas. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance DISCIPLINES: Pottery, Ceramics, Crafts, Design, Conservation and Restoration, Material Research, Sculpture, and Interdisciplinary Arts. WORK EQUIPMENT PROVIDED: * Personal worktable in a fully equipped shared studio with additional materials and furo (curing cabinet for kintsugi and urushi artworks). * An artisan-grade kintsugi kit to use and keep, with genuine gold and silver powder included. * Ceramics / pottery pieces for kintsugi lesson projects. ASSISTANCE: * Kintsugi and maki-e lessons led by an experienced English-speaking artist-instructor with a dedicated English Kintsugi Handbook. * Japanese-, English-, and Mandarin-speaking AIR staff are available. * An Official Toma House AIR Artist’s Guide to assist artists in preparing for their residency and getting around Nara and Japan after arrival.Studio / Workspace Personal worktable in a fully equipped shared studio with specialized tools for kintsugi and maki-e lacquer art, furo (curing cabinet for kintsugi and maki-e artworks).Fees and support PROGRAM FEES: From 628,000 JPY Fees vary based on the accommodation selected, and includes 4-week accommodation, studio workspace and specialized tools, all lessons conducted in English, exclusive English Kintsugi Handbook, artisan-grade professional kintsugi kit, authentic repair and maki-e materials, field trips, and Wi-Fi access. SUPPORT: This is a self-funded residency program. Official supporting documents are available upon request to assist accepted artists in seeking external grant funding. Expectations towards the artist Artists are expected to attend and actively engage in the lessons, studio practices, workshops, and field trips in this course, and complete traditional urushi-based kintsugi projects by the end of the program. Artists may bring their own broken ceramics or use the practice pieces provided by the residency. Full details can be found in the Application Guidelines on the official website. Application information 1) Review the Application Guidelines on the official website, then submit the Online Application Form. 2) Your statement: please tell us about you, how you discovered kintsugi, your motivation for learning kintsugi, and what makes you a strong candidate for this program. 3) Selection (early submission is encouraged, as applications are selected and offered on a rolling basis). 4) Offer and Enrollment APPLICATION DEADLINES: Spring Session: December 30th, 2026 Autumn Session: April 30th, 2027 (Note: Applications may close early if spaces are filled.)

Eligibility

Self-funded residency; requires online application with personal statement

What to submit

Motivation letter