makomako Kintsugi

Hi! I’m makomako, a Kintsugi artist and Chanoyu practitioner based in New York.The breaking of a tea bowl led me to the study of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of ceramic restoration using urushi lacquer and gold. Studied under lacquer master and Kintsugi specialist Gen Saratani and others, I have refined my skills in restoring not just ceramics but also objects made from Yixing clay, agate, jade, glass, and resin. My approach to Kintsugi is deeply rooted in tradition, favoring the use of natural materials such as urushi lacquer and gold. For me, each restored piece tells a story, offering a reflection on the human experience. My work and perspective have been featured in Bold Journey and CanvasRebel Magazine. In 2023, I held a duo exhibition "Contemplating at Ease" at theBLANC in New York.I’ve been sharing this practice through public workshops and courses, from beginner experience sessions to 5-week intensive programs at venues including Peters Valley School of Craft, Fou Gallery, 7s Art, and Nihonsan Tools. I also offer private workshops for small groups who want to explore this craft more intimately.Through Kintsugi, I’m not just mending objects, but restoring memories. I hope to share not only a technique, but a way of seeing, where each imperfect object carries time and quiet beauty.Whether you're joining out of curiosity or a deep love for ceramics, I hope Kintsugi can offer you a quieter rhythm, a new way of seeing, and a moment of stillness in the process of mending!