Organizer Information
TOMA Unrestored (Toma House AIR) is an artist residency located in a historic 18th-century residence of a Shinto priest’s family in Nara, Japan. The organization is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Japanese arts and the "unrestored" beauty of cultural heritage. Led by professional practitioners, TOMA provides a space where international artists can immerse themselves in traditional techniques such as Urushi (lacquer art) and Kintsugi, fostering a connection between historical craftsmanship and contemporary artistic practice.
Title & Description
2026 Kintsugi Residency: Traditional Urushi & Maki-e for Artists
This is a four-week immersive program designed specifically for artists, potters, and creative practitioners who wish to master the traditional art of Urushi kintsugi. Unlike "modern" kintsugi which uses synthetic glues, this program focuses on authentic Urushi—a natural lacquer derived from tree sap. Participants will learn essential repair techniques and the decorative art of Maki-e (sprinkling gold or silver powder). The program encourages artists to integrate these sustainable, time-honored methods into their own creative work while living in a heritage environment.
Categories
Ceramics, Sculpture, Visual Art, Craft, Sustainable Art, Conservation, and Traditional Japanese Arts.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply: Artists, ceramicists, potters, conservators, designers, and researchers.
- Skill Level: Open to all levels; prior experience with Kintsugi or Urushi is not required.
- Internationality: Open to international and national applicants.
- Health Note: Applicants should be aware that natural Urushi can cause skin irritation/allergies (safety procedures are taught).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Expert Instruction: Guided lessons by Clementine Nuttall, a specialist in Urushi and Kintsugi with extensive training from Tokyo University of the Arts.
- Kintsugi Kit: Each resident receives a professional kit including real gold powder, Urushi lacquers, brushes, and spatulas (valued as a permanent resource for the artist).
- Accommodation: 28 days of private housing in either the 18th-century main house or the newly renovated "Toma Beige" annex.
- Curated Field Trips: Three excursions to local material suppliers, cultural sites, and a traditional tea ceremony.
- Studio Access: A personal workspace in a shared studio with access to a specialized furo (curing cabinet).
- Resources: An English-language Kintsugi handbook/textbook.
Application Fee
There is no separate application fee, but the residency is self-funded. Program fees vary by accommodation:
- Spring Special Offer: From 471,000 JPY (~$3,150 USD).
- Autumn Session: From 542,000 JPY (~$3,600 USD).
- The organization provides support documentation for those applying for external grants.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online form including:
- Professional Background: CV and artistic bio.
- Portfolio: Examples of recent artistic or craft work.
- Motivation: A statement explaining the desire to learn traditional Kintsugi and how it relates to their practice.
- Selection: Conducted on a rolling basis.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadlines:
- Spring Session: 30 January 2026
- Autumn Session: 10 April 2026
- Residency Periods:
- Spring: March 28 – April 24, 2026.
- Autumn: October 3 – October 30, 2026.
Location
Nara, Japan
Additional Details
The program structure includes 9 formal lesson days, with the remaining time dedicated to self-guided studio practice. Artists are encouraged to bring their own broken ceramics to repair, though the instructor will assist in developing a strategy for complex pieces that may take longer than the four-week period to fully cure.