LEARN-TO: Mitsuro Hikime [MAY 2026]

Date: Friday 22 May, 2026

Start Time: 10am

End Time: 4.30pm

Venue: FORGE

Join us for our first Mitsuro Hikime workshop led by acomplished designers Elsa Tierney and Kumiko Kihara, co-authors of Mitsuro Hikime: Japanese Wax Sculpting, a new book exploring this distinctive Japanese technique.

This insightful workshop combines making with cultural context, introducing you to the traditional Japanes lost wax process of Mitsuro Hikime. Learn to prepare and sculpt Mitsuro wax, creating its signature flowing sculptural patterns and forms.

What will I make?

Participants will learn how to prepare Mitsuro wax, explore sculpting techniques to create its signature flowing patterns, and develop their own jewellery designs from sketch to wax model. The session also provides historical and cultural context to enrich understanding of the craft.

What will I learn?

– The traditional Mitsuro wax recipe

– The history and origins of the technique

– How to prepare and set up for working with the wax

– How to handle and control Mitsuro wax

– The tools used throughout the process

– Different ways of manipulating and shaping the material

– How to store and reuse the wax afterwards

What will happen during the workshop?

The session begins with Elsa and Kumiko sharing the story and history behind this fascinating technique, followed by a demonstration of how to prepare the wax. They’ll also talk you through the tools, materials, and setup, and be on hand to answer questions as you go.

From there, you’ll move into exploring the technique. You’ll experiment with different ways of manipulating the wax, testing its movement and discovering what it can do. There will be time to explore freely, play with ideas, and start developing your own pieces with guidance and support throughout.

As the workshop progresses, you’ll also learn how to reuse and recycle your wax, so nothing is lost, even experiments that don’t become finished pieces can be worked back into new ideas. You’ll leave with the knowledge to continue developing your work at home, plus advice on storing your wax and preparing pieces for casting into metal.

What skills do I need?

Beginners: Perfect for those starting out or who have little to no experience.

If you are unsure if you have the correct level of experience, feel free to email us for advice.

What should I bring?

– Reading glasses (if you need them!)

– Notebook and pen (to take notes)

– Apron to protect clothes

- Craft Knife

- Tea candle

- Example of wax if you have made previously

What should I wear?

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged. Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a tool or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who are my teachers?

Kumiko Kihara is a jeweller based in Oxfordshire, England, whose work is deeply influenced by her Japanese heritage. Specialising in the traditional mitsuro hikime technique, she crafts expressive wax pieces by hand, drawing inspiration from Japanese calligraphy and nature. Kumiko is the co-author of Mitsuro Hikime: Japanese Wax Sculpting. Her work has been exhibited at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock and Goldsmiths’ North.

Elsa Tierney is a London-based jeweller and artist, specialising in wax carving and Mitsuro Hikime techniques for sculptural jewellery. Inspired by her fascination with the medium of wax, Elsa has authored and published the book Art of Wax and is co-author of Mitsuro Hikime: Japanese Wax Sculpting. Elsa teaches wax carving and mitsuro hikime at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and has exhibited at Goldsmiths’ Fair, winning multiple awards from the Goldsmiths’ Crafts and Design Council.

How do I get there?

FORGE 59 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

How do I book?

To book your workshop, simply add the number of spaces you'd like and click Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout.

Discount codes can be applied at checkout.

PLEASE PROVIDE BOTH EMAIL & PHONE NUMBER

Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us.

Materials Disclaimer

Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card

SOLD OUT