Have you ever wondered how the intricate designs on Maki-e fountain pens are created? This beginner-friendly workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the traditional Japanese art of Maki-e, a decorative lacquer technique that combines natural Urushi lacquer with metallic and colored powders to create beautiful images and patterns.
Participants will learn about the history and core principles of Urushi and Maki-e before experiencing the process firsthand. Using a fine brush, you will apply a simple design to a plate with Urushi lacquer and personalize your work with a selection of colored powders.
No prior artistic experience is required, making this workshop accessible to all skill levels. By the end of the session, you will take home your own unique Maki-e creation as a keepsake, along with a deeper appreciation for one of Japan’s most celebrated artistic traditions.
Instructor: Sophia (Urushi Notes) is a urushi and maki-e artist based in Hong Kong. She began to practice the art of urushi in 2022 on a self guided basis before taking formal maki-e lessons at Maki-e School Ginza under Matsuda Shokan in Tokyo in 2024.
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Duration: 3 Hours
Class Size: 10
Materials Provided:
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1 tube of Maki-e Urushi
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Two Maki-e brushes
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Maki-e metal powders
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Maki-e urushi plate
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Display stand
All sign ups are final and cannot be cancelled. All fees are non-refundable.
If appointment slots fill up, a second workshop will be considered with available slots to purchase.
We will be using genuine urushi lacquer in this workshop. While cured urushi is completely safe, uncured urushi can cause skin allergies. Gloves will be provided at the workshop and the risk of a rash is low with proper handling of urushi. By signing up to this workshop you acknowledge this risk that may occur from exposure to urushi lacquer. We therefore advise being cautious if you have known severe reactions to urushiol, poison ivy, or poison oak exposure.
