MEET IKU NISHIKAWA
Sensei
Iku Nishikawa was born in Japan. She studied graphic design in Tokyo and later worked for a fashion marketing office in Milan.
Whilst assisting at a series of kintsugi workshops and lectures at the Ashmolean Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, she was drawn to the work and innovative craftsmanship of Muneaki Shimode and Takahiko Sato from Kyoto. The workshops were co-ordinated by her husband, who with Japanese government funding, had been asked to introduce the disappearing craft of kintsugi in the United Kingdom. Although kintsugi has long been considered a profession exclusive to Japan, under the guidance of Shimode and Sato, she quickly discovered that she had a natural aptitude for the craft and established Kintsugi Oxford in 2014.
Alongside her own practice of kintsugi, she has offered workshops in Japan, Italy, Spain and the UK using traditional materials in conjunction with modern synthetic glues, which considerably speed up the process. Privately her kintsugi repairs are always carried out with urushi, before finishing with gold or silver. She uses both traditional and modern adhesives, depending on client budget and the value of the pieces she is working on.
Artists and ceramicists she has worked with include: Lisa Hammond, Bouke de Vries, Kat Wheeler, Claudia Clare, Marcello Putti, Jose Carvalho and writer and curator Dr Bonnie Kemske. She is a regular contributor to London Craft week through the Wagumi gallery in London. Prior to lockdown she carried out a series of Nationwide kintsugi workshops for the Wagamama restaurant chain; during lockdown hosting Zoom workshops for various commercial clients including Japan House (London) and Mlilamori (New York) amongst others, whilst continuing her repair work in self-isolation, as always.
Kintsugi for Beginners
Kintsugi is the craft in which chipped, cracked or broken ceramic pieces are repaired using a combination of urushi (lacquer) and rice glue. This process inadvertently results in a decoration, the form of which is dictated by the breakage the piece has suffered. Powdered gold is usually applied to the repaired patch or seam before the urushi has set, although less embellished repairs can be made by using urushi alone, less precious metals are also used. Larger repairs are sometimes enhanced by the later application of decorative patterns or illustrations painted with urushi or a fine grade of powdered metal, in a technique known as maki-e. Kintsugi can also be applied to glass.
The craft dates back to at least the 16th century, and there are various engaging historical anecdotes which emphasise the value placed on items pieced back together, particularly tea-ware. The famous tea master Sen no Rikyu was renowned for his appreciation of the Unzan Katatsuki, an exquisite tea bowl, precisely because of the roughness of its repair.
The moment in time when something has been shattered is permanently captured by the painstaking labours of a craftsman in building up the layers of lacquer to repair a piece. It is this reference to the now that recalls mushin, a lack of attachment to anything, but rather being present in the moment, something constantly available to all, but particularly so when we drop a piece of china.
Prior to the offering all participants will be sent their personal Kintsugi kit with details on what they need to prepare prior to the session. During this 2 hour offering with Sensei Nishikawa you will participate on an immersive journey on how to break and repair your item using the kit and the beauty of Wabi Sabi.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Your Kintsugi kit which will be delivered to you. A drop of vegetable oil. A small cup of water and kitchen paper to use during the offering.
OFFERING DETAILS::
A typical offering will last 120 Mins
Timezone 6:00pm BST | 1:00pm EST
What you will need for the offering is outline above
The Offering will be recorded and a Post Session Replay will be sent to all registered guests. So even if the timezone doesn’t align, you are still able to connect and delve into the offering in your own time and at your own pace.
This Offering is suited to All
What will happen during the offering?
During this 2 hour offering with Sensei Nishikawa you will participate on an immersive journey on how to break and repair your item using the kit and the beauty of Wabi Sabi.
Who is this session for?
Anyone looking to learn more about this traditional art form, adopt a more mindful and meaningful practice and develop new ways to elevate ceramics in your home.
What will be achieved?
You learn how to apply a basic Kintsugi technique to a damaged ceramic. Even though this offering will not use traditional materials, it will provide a first step towards learning traditional Kintsugi and allow you to continue on this practice within your own life.
SESSION PHILOSOPHY
Whether you are a Grayson Perry follower on instagram or you just want to fix your broken Diana Royal wedding mug, Kintsugi classes are fun for everyone, whatever your skill level. While learning the art of appreciation and transformation. Knowing that beauty can be found in all things especially when they are perfectly imperfect.
SESSION OVERVIEW:
This session will start with Samantha Lee’s signature tea meditation. Once we are all grounded, we will jump into a brief overview of what herbal vinegars are and how they can be beneficial. After our vinegar introduction, we will go through 3 different vinegar recipes and their benefits.
INFORMED CONSENT
I understand that any information that I receive in this workshop should not be construed as a substitute for any medical examination, diagnosis or treatment; and that I should see a physician or other qualified medical specialist for any ailment of which I am currently aware. I understand that Sensei Iku Nishikawa is not medically qualified to diagnose, prescribe or treat any illness, and nothing said in the course of the session should be construed as such. I take full responsibility for my well being and actions during the workshop and do not hold the practitioner or Consciously Connected Travel liable for any outcomes resulting from this workshop. Additionally natural urushi needs to be used with care , avoiding skin contact (disposable gloves are recommended).
REFUGE MEMBERSHIP:
Our Refuge Membership affords you 10% OFF all Digital offerings like this one in addition to an array of other perks and access.
INCLUDED IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP
5% OFF CCT Retreats + Journeys
10% OFF our online Classes, Workshops + Offerings as part of our Digital Wellness Series
10% OFF our Pop-up Conscious Events
20% OFF our Guides + Meditations
10% OFF One-to-One sessions with our Conscious Practitioners
Access + or perks to a select number of members clubs + co-working spaces.
Access to a range of Discounts + Perks with our conscious partners in Wellness, Fashion, Beauty, + more
Access to a library of past classes, workshops + offerings
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