Curriculum

Curriculum Theo van Vliet

At the age of 14, I started practicing judo and this has led to a lifelong dedication to the Japanese martial arts (budo). Mainly kendo and kyudo (Japanese archery). As a result I also started training at regular intervals in Japan over a period of 20 years.

Over time, I started to better understand and appreciate the people, the country, the culture and history of Japan. 

Modestly collecting Japanese art there came more insight in craftsmanship and artistry, but also the fact that some objects needed care, maintenance and sometimes restoration.

Always interested in traditional (European) crafts (like etching), I started restoring Japanese furniture and some years ago there was an introduction to kintsugi, by Japanese teachers at the Japanese Cultural Exchange in Amsterdam. This was followed by yearly workshops and for the past 3 years, teaching was Mio Heki from Atelier Hifumi in Kyoto.

In April and May 2017, I had the opportunity to study in this atelier, not only in kintsugi but in general lacquer-work and restoration.

For the past few years I restored many objects with kintsugi: modern earthenware and porcelain, but also old plates and bowls (Song Dynasty and 17th Century Imari) and I cooperated with Wempe&Wempe (the Hague) , pottery Basalt (the Hague) and also restored objects from private collections.

Besides lacquer-work and kintsugi, I make and print etchings.

In 2018 O Kiji Studio in Ovezande, Zeeland has started