Cultural Program:  Kintsugi by Gen Saratani & Mini Flower Show

Mr. Saratani was born in Vienna, Austria to a family of lacquer artists and studied lacquer art under his father, Tomizo Saratani.

After finishing his studies in art and design at Tokai University in Japan, Mr. Saratani pursued a mentorship under maki-e master Akira Takeda in Kyoto from 2008-10.

Since settling down in New York in 2012, Mr. Saratani has carved out his own place in the practice of maki-e and kintsugi. Kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery using urushi lacquer in a way that embraces the beauty in imperfection.

This process is incredibly time intensive and requires patience and skill.

Mr. Saratani is the only traditionally trained urushi artist practicing the art of kintsugi in the United States.

This program offers a unique and rare opportunity to hear about kintsugi.