Frequently asked questions
Welcome! Browse the questions below to quickly find the helpful information and answers you need.
Q: Can beginners join the workshop?
A: Absolutely! Our workshops are fully beginner-friendly. You do not need any prior experience with pottery or art. We will guide you through the entire Kintsugi and Maki-E process step-by-step.
Q: How do I care for my Kintsugi pottery?
A: Kintsugi pieces require delicate care. Please follow these guidelines:
- Do not submerge or leave your pottery soaking in the sink.
- Hand-wash gently with warm water and mild soap right after use.
- Do not use a dishwasher or microwave.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbing sponges to protect the gold lines.
Q: Is pottery included in the workshop?
A: This depends on the workshop you choose:
- Regular workshops: All necessary materials are included, except for the pottery item. Please bring your own broken piece to repair.
- Intensive two-day courses and group or corporate workshops: The pottery item and a transport box are fully included.
- For regular workshops, we can also provide a pottery item and transport box for an additional fee of €10. Please contact us in advance of your lesson.
Q: Is the repaired pottery safe to eat or drink from?
A: We offer two methods, depending on how you plan to use your repaired piece:
- The Authentic, 100% Natural Method: Recommended for pieces that need to be fully food-safe. This traditional approach uses natural urushi lacquer and pure, edible gold powder.
- The Modern Method: This method uses a modern epoxy resin. Once fully cured, it is completely safe; however, it should not be exposed to extreme heat. If brass powder is used instead of pure gold, it is safely sealed within the lacquer. With prolonged, heavy use, however, the brass may eventually contribute to the deterioration of the lacquer lines.
- Edible gold is available for an additional €8 for both the authentic and modern courses. Pure gold can also be provided for the authentic kintsugi course upon request. Its price is based on the current market rate (for example, approximately €215 per gram).
Q: How long is a gift voucher valid for?
A: All gift vouchers are valid for 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase. The expiration date will be clearly printed on your digital or physical voucher.
Q: Can I reschedule my booking?
A: Yes, you can reschedule your date as long as you notify us at least 48 hours in advance. This gives us enough time to offer the slot to someone else. Please reply to your booking email to change your date.