Urushi no Gakkou (Urushi School)
Learn from the Experts at Und.’s Urushi Arts Class
A hassle-free ticket system – Ideal for after-work sessions or attending with friends
“Urushi no Gakkou”, held in the workshop space on the third floor of Und., the activity hub of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc., offers an exclusive community where you can directly learn various Urushi techniques from professional artisans. This members-only class covers a wide range of skills, including Kintsugi, Maki-e, Raden, Urushi coating, Fuki Urushi, and special techniques such as Kawari-nuri.
As an introductory step into the world of Urushi, the class is designed to be fun and accessible for beginners. Of course, for those who wish to acquire more specialised skills, advanced techniques can also be taught. The classes operate on a ticket system, so you can attend according to your schedule, without the need for a monthly subscription. We also warmly welcome friends attending together, and we offer evening sessions every Wednesday, allowing those with busy work schedules to participate.
As part of the Urushi School experience, you’ll have the chance to consult with the instructor in our Urushi arts specialist shop on the first floor. There, you can choose and purchase the necessary materials and tools, making it a unique experience for students. Our Urushi is prepared fresh in our workshop once you place an order, with a wide range of wooden bases (to be coated with Urushi) available for you to select. You can then customise your pieces with the Urushi finish of your choice, whether it’s bowls, plates, cups, or accessories.
In recent years, Kintsugi has become increasingly popular, and we’ve set up a specialised section with all the necessary tools and helpful items for your Kintsugi projects.
Additionally, as a member, you’ll enjoy priority access to our future events, workshops, and tours, and be invited to join community gatherings to connect with fellow members.
How to Join
- Please register as a member using the Urushi School temporary membership form.
- After registering as a member, you will receive an email to accept your membership at the email address you specified.
- Use the reservation link in the confirmation email to book your lesson. Please note that reservations are required for each lesson.
- During the first lesson, the instructor will explain important guidelines and ask about your desired techniques or processes. Afterwards, you can purchase the necessary materials and Urushi at the shop on the first floor.
- And with that, your journey with the Urushi School begins!
Date and time
Every Wednesday, 7pm-9pm
First and third Saturdays: 10am-12pm/2pm-4pm
Enrollment Fee
5,000 yen (tax included)
Course Fee
Ticket system for 4,500 yen (tax included) per session
Common material costs included(solvent, wipes, tissue, polishing powder, glutinous rice flour, gloves, cheesecloth, paper, etc.)
Ticket
- 1 ticket: 4,500 yen (tax included) Expiration date: 3 months
- Set of 5: 21,500 yen (tax included) Expiration date: 6 months
- Set of 10: 42,000 yen (tax included) Expiration date: 1 year
Other costs
Urushi, brushes, brushes, spatulas, gold powder, silver powder, other metal powders, wood materials, etc. must be purchased separately.
Note: The materials you may need to purchase separately may vary depending on your course. We’ll walk you through everything you need when the time comes.
Introduction to Our Instructors
Mutsumi Oiatate
Born in 1982 in Kyoto Prefecture, Oitate graduated from the Kyoto Municipal Dota Art and Crafts High School, specialising in Urushi arts. They then pursued studies in Urushi art at the Department of Industrial Design at Takaoka Junior College (now part of Toyama University) and the Department of Industrial Design Graduate School. In 2009, Oitate completed the Kyoto City Traditional Industry Technician Training Programme.
In 2010, Oitate joined the Kyoto Lacquerware Youth Association and began their career as an Urushiwear artist. They specialise in creating works that combine Makie (gold or silver sprinkling), Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and Urushi painting, and their pieces have been exhibited at traditional craft exhibitions such as the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition.
In addition to their artistic practice, Oitate leads workshops, including Kintsugi, to introduce more people to the beauty and versatility of Urushi and to create opportunities for individuals to connect with this traditional craft.