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Photo Credit: Ze Wei
2026 Kintsugi Residency
| Deadline | 2026.04.10 |
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| Results Available Date | Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly encouraged as spaces may fill before the deadline. |
| Website |
2026 Kintsugi Residency Online Application Form
2026 Kintsugi Residency 2026 Kintsugi Residency Website 2026 Kintsugi Residency Application Guidelines |
| More About Residency |
Toma House AIR
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Kintsugi Residency is a four-week immersive program designed specifically for artists and creative practitioners who seek to build a foundation in urushi-based kintsugi practice and maki-e, a decorative method originated in urushi lacquer art. Artists will gain the essential knowledge to plan and carry out traditional urushi-based kintsugi repairs and apply maki-e decorative techniques in their own kintsugi practices.
Highlights
• Kintsugi for Artists — a practice-driven curriculum tailored to creative practitioners to build an independent practice in art or kintsugi repair.
• Maki-e & Lacquer Art Instructions — an introduction to traditional decorative techniques of maki-e, the traditional urushi artform that kintsugi is based on.
• Kintsugi Kit — each artist will receive a professional traditional urushi-based kintsugi kit including valuable real gold powder to support your residency projects and beyond the residency.
• Guided Studio Projects — from start to finish
Different kinds of kintsugi repair methods using natural urushi lacquer.
An introduction to build a foundational knowledge in urushi lacquer and maki-e techniques.
Your personal projects are encouraged with instructor guidance.
• Curated Field Trips — to local suppliers, cultural places, and a tea ceremony experience to deepen understanding of kintsugi, urushi, aesthetics, and traditional craftsmanship.
• Dedicated Studio Environment — each artist will have a personal work desk in a shared studio. There will be professional studio tools and an urushi furo (the special storage to cure kintsugi and urushi artworks).
• 4-weeks Accommodation in Toma House AIR – choose between staying in the 18-century registered cultural property, or in the newly renovated annex next door.
This Program is For
• Artists, potters, and ceramicists who are seeking to learn traditional urushi-based kintsugi and maki-e techniques to integrate into their own artistic practices.
• Craftspeople, conservators, designers and related practitioners who are interested in kintsugi repairs.
• Anyone who wants to learn traditional kintsugi and basic maki-e techniques.
• Anyone who is interested in traditional Japanese crafts, sustainable material and practices.
• Prior experience with kintsugi, urushi and maki-e is not required.
| Duration | 2026 Program Dates Spring: March 28th to April 24th Autumn: October 3rd to October 30th |
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| Fields and Media | Craft, Cultural Heritage, Museum, Other, Visual Art |
| Funding | 2026 Spring Session-only special campaign is available, please refer to the Program Guidelines for details |
| Provided by Host | • Traditional kintsugi and basic maki-e technique instructions • Curated field trips • A set of Kintsugi Kit that contains real gold powder • An English-language Kintsugi Handbook • 4-week (28 days) accommodation in a private single bedroom • Personal working table in a shared studio • Shared kitchens, toilets, showers, and laundry facilities |
| Costs | • Travel and transportation • Food • Insurance and visa • Other personal expenses such as packing and shipping fees, additional materials for kintsugi, etc. |
| How to Apply | 1. Please read and understand the Application Guidelines 2. Fill in the Online Application Form • Spring Session: March 28th to April 24th • Autumn Session: October 3rd to October 30th 3. An application confirmation e-mail will be sent to you. 4. Once the artist is offered to join the program, we will send you an invitation agreement, followed by the program invoice to complete the registration Application End Dates: • Spring Session: 30th January, 2026 • Autumn Session: April 10th, 2026 Early application is encouraged, as candidates are accessed and offered places on a rolling-basis |
| Selection Procedure | Candidates are reviewed and offered on a rolling-basis. Early application is encouraged to secure a place. |
| Expected Outcome | Artists may leave their own pottery/ceramic artworks for the next Kintsugi Residency for repairs |