What is Hakatashitsugei-kenkyujo?

Hakatashitsugei-kenkyujo is a studio dedicated to urushi lacquer art and kintsugi.

After studying urushi craftsmanship at Tokyo University of the Arts, the artist continued independent research and developed an original natural-style approach.
“Natural-style” refers to a unique method that uses no synthetic adhesives or chemical substances such as turpentine oil, reviving what we consider to be the true traditions of urushi and kintsugi.

“Natural-Style Kintsugi” is a registered trademark with the Japan Patent Office.

Urushi Lacquer Art

The artist has over 30 years of experience as an urushi lacquer artist.

With the aim of drawing out the full complexity and depth inherent in urushi, the studio continues to explore kawari-nuri—innovative and expressive lacquer techniques.
Inspired by the lacquered leather artifacts of the Shosoin Treasury, the studio has also developed a unique body of work using wool felt combined with urushi, creating original felt-based lacquerware and an entirely distinctive artistic world.

Here, you will encounter truly one-of-a-kind works unlike anything you have seen before.

The studio produces distinctive tea ceremony utensils and carries out lacquer finishing using original techniques.
Consultations are also available if you wish to have lacquer applied to wooden bases you bring in.

Kintsugi

As a kintsugi artist, the studio has over 20 years of experience.

With a high level of technical skill grounded in traditional urushi craftsmanship, we are able to undertake highly challenging restorations that are often declined by other workshops.
All restoration proposals are made based on a refined philosophy rooted in Zen, which is deeply connected to the origins of kintsugi.

Another defining feature of our work is a unique expressive approach that adds renewed radiance to the stories embodied within each vessel.

Classes

Ropponmatsu Studio (In-Person Lessons)

Enrollment Fee: ¥22,000

Tuition:
・Regular Class: ¥25,300 / month
・Private Lesson: ¥33,000 / 2 hours
・Private Group (2 hours): ¥22,000 per person

・・・・・

Sunday One-Day Kintsugi Experience

・Prepared ceramic pieces (see images below)
　　: ¥7,700 / approx. 2 hours

・For bring-in ceramic pieces
: ¥22,000 (2–3 sessions)

　Participants apply urushi lacquer and sprinkle tin powder onto a ceramic piece
　that has been pre-bonded in advance.

　The finished work is placed in a box and can be taken home on the same day.

　Held on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of every month (except August)　
　Time: 11:00–17:00
　No reservation required

　*For other days or time slots, please inquire about private lessons.

・・・・・

Online English Classes (Zoom)

Enrollment Fee: ¥22,000

Tuition:
Regular Class: ¥22,000 / month
Private Lesson: ¥33,000 / 2 hours
　　（Up to 5 people）

What is Hakata Shitsugei Kenkyujo?

What is Hakata Shitsugei Kenkyujo?

Roppnmatsu, Fukuoka, Japan

Office Reception Hours
・Business Hours: 11AM–5PM
・Open Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
・Closed: Every Thursday and Friday,
　the 5th week of each month, August,
　and New Year holidays (December 26–January 6)