2025 Kintsugi Residency Program – Toma House x Clementine Nuttall
Location
Toma House AIR, Nara City, Japan
(An 18th-century ancestral residence of a Shinto priest, now a registered cultural property)
Dates
Session A: October 4 – October 31, 2025
Session B: November 8 – December 5, 2025
Application Deadline
August 1, 2025
Rolling review – Early application encouraged
About the Program
Hosted at Toma House AIR in collaboration with kintsugi artist and conservator Clementine Nuttall, this English-taught intensive 4-week program immerses participants in the traditional techniques and philosophy of urushi-based kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with natural lacquer and gold or silver powder.
What You’ll Learn
Artistic Exploration:
Kintsugi’s philosophy of mending and imperfection
Urushi lacquer and its historical use
Ethics and aesthetics of conservation
Practical Skills:
Crack, chip, and break repair
Traditional kintsugi with natural urushi
Crafting your own basic kintsugi tools
Introductory maki-e and urushi techniques for personal projects
Residency Includes
Gold & Silver Kintsugi Kit (yours to keep)
Custom Kintsugi Handbook
4 weeks accommodation in a private bedroom at Toma House AIR
Shared studio, kitchenette, toilet, shower, washing machine, Wi-Fi, and utilities
Option to bring a partner (additional fee applies)
Instructor
Clementine Nuttall – British artist and lacquer specialist with 10+ years of experience.
Studied kintsugi at Tokyo University of the Arts on a Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship
MFA in Global Art Practice
Teaches at Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts
Combines deep tradition with an exploration of sustainability and contemporary practice
Fees & Funding
Self-funded residency
Toma House will provide supporting documents for grant/funding applications
Program is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Culture (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Important Notes
Urushi lacquer is natural and safe when dried but may cause skin irritation when wet. Proper handling will be taught, but participants must acknowledge the risk.
Instruction is in English; Japanese knowledge is helpful but not required. Mandarin support available on request.
How to Apply
Read application guidelines on the official website or via inquiry
Submit the online application form
Selection response within 7 working days
Apply Early: Spaces are limited and may fill before August 1
📧 Contact: info@tomaunrestored.com
