Join us for a small-group, 3-hour Kintsugi experience led by Emi Kato Jones, founder of Kintsugi-Mee (and Kishu Baby). Emi was born in Seto City, Aichi, Japan — one of Japan’s most historic pottery towns, known for its deep-rooted ceramic traditions.
As a child, Emi lived in her grandmother’s home, surrounded by pottery wheels and climbing kilns — known in Japanese as noborigama (登り窯) — traditional hillside kilns that fire ceramics through naturally rising wood-fired heat. Her uncle, a master potter with over 55 years of experience, continues to create work in the region and has been a lifelong inspiration.
After graduating from university in the U.S., raising two children, and running a business, Emi returned to Japan in 2024 for a 9-month stay. There, she studied Kintsugi under master artisans in Nagoya City, Aichi and Ichinokura City, Gifu Prefecture, reconnecting with the ceramic culture that shaped her early years.
“When I first tried Kintsugi, I thought it would be a one-time experience. I didn’t know it would start growing in me. Being surrounded by ceramics again felt so right — like returning to my childhood. I even started imagining a future storefront in LA filled with my uncle’s pottery. Kintsugi gave me back something I didn’t know I had lost — a sense of calm, of wholeness.”
Now based in Los Angeles, Emi is honored to share the spirit of Kintsugi — not just as a creative practice, but as a deeply calming and meaningful experience.
⚠️ Please Note: This Is Modern Kintsugi (Not Traditional Urushi-Based)
This workshop introduces participants to modern Kintsugi, a contemporary interpretation of the centuries-old Japanese art form.
Modern Kintsugi uses fast-setting epoxy adhesive and gold-colored powder to recreate the visual effect and philosophy of Kintsugi in a single session (for decorative purposes only, not food-safe).
Traditional Kintsugi, by contrast, uses natural lacquer (urushi) and real gold — a slow, labor-intensive process that takes at least one month to complete and requires years of practice.
Emi has studied the traditional method in Japan and hopes to offer a longer, multi-part workshop series in the future for those who wish to explore authentic materials and deeper technique. For now, this 3-hour workshop is a beautiful and beginner-friendly introduction to the spirit and aesthetics of Kintsugi.
✅ Included in Your Booking
• 3-hour guided workshop with personal instruction from Emi
• All supplies and materials provided — including a ceramic plate
• One complimentary beverage of your choice from the cafe where event is hosted
• No prior experience needed
Questions? Email emi@kishubaby.com
Directions & Locations
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📍 Alana’s Coffee Roasters
634 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
🕒 9:30am - 12:30pm -
📍 Jackson Cafe
5880 W Jefferson Blvd, Ste B
Los Angeles, CA 90016 (Culver City area)
🕒 9:30am - 12:30pm
