Mitsuro Hikime with Elsa Tierney and Kumiko Kihara
- Date
- 03 Nov 2025 - 04 Nov 2025 · 9:30AM - 4:30PM
- Price
- £419 (8 places), Bookings close: 14 October 2025, Course Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Venue
- The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London EC1M 5AD
- Programme type
- Technical Skills Training
Explore the technique of Mitsuro Hikime, a specialised Japanese wax modelling process rooted in ancient tradition, in this structured two-day course led by Kumiko Kihara and Elsa Tierney. Having travelled to Japan to study this technique in depth, they will guide you through its traditional methods and applications.
Mitsuro Hikime, meaning ‘Beeswax pulling texture’, is a centuries-old method that creates unique, flowing patterns reminiscent of natural forms. This technique offers jewellery makers a distinctive approach to design, allowing for the creation of intricate textures and organic shapes that are difficult to achieve through other methods. The wax itself is uniquely pliable, with a lightness and fabric-like quality that lends itself to fluid, sculptural designs.
Through live demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to prepare the wax using the traditional recipe, manipulate it into strips and spiral forms, and develop a small jewellery or sculptural piece that can be cast later. You will leave the course with the skills and confidence to continue using this technique independently in your own practice.
FAQs
Delivered in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, this course will help you to:
- Develop new textural and sculptural skills that can be applied to jewellery and small-scale sculpture.
- Gain confidence in working with a unique wax material that behaves differently from conventional carving waxes.
- Enhance your design process by incorporating organic, free-flowing forms inspired by Japanese craftsmanship.
- Understand the practical aspects of working with Mitsuro wax, including sourcing materials and preparing pieces for casting.
- Notebook and pen for sketching and note-taking.
- Any personal wax carving tools you prefer to use.
- An open approach to learning a new technique.
Optional:
- Spectacles or head visor (if required) to work on small details.
You will be provided with:
- All necessary materials, including Mitsuro wax.
- Access to specialised tools required for the technique.
- Comprehensive handouts detailing processes and resources for further exploration.
Beginner to Advanced Level: Practical experience and understanding of listed skills required with some prior experience in a workshop environment and the ability to work independently on fundamental tasks. This course is suitable for jewellers, designers, and craft professionals who want to expand their technical skills with traditional Japanese methods. Whether you're an experienced maker or looking to develop new skills, this course provides practical knowledge that can be applied to your creative practice.
Beginner: Limited prior experience required. Participants at the beginner level should have a basic understanding of workshop practices and some exposure to handling tools and materials. This level is ideal for those who may have minimal practical experience but are looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Intermediate: Practical experience and understanding of listed skills required. Participants at the intermediate level should have prior experience in a workshop environment and the ability to work independently on fundamental tasks. This level focuses on refining basic skills, introducing more complex tasks, and developing the ability to troubleshoot and work with greater precision and autonomy.
Advanced: Significant experience and a strong command of techniques required. Participants at the advanced level should have extensive experience working independently in a workshop and be proficient in a wide range of techniques, including precision piercing, advanced soldering, stone setting, and metal finishing. They are expected to tackle complex projects with minimal guidance, demonstrate creative problem-solving, and apply advanced technical skills with accuracy and attention to detail.
We are committed to making our training programmes and events as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any access requirements, please inform us as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, advance notice is essential to ensure we can provide appropriate support.
To discuss your requirements when booking tickets for our Goldsmiths’ Centre training programmes, please contact us at boxoffice@goldsmiths-centre.org
We believe that talent should not be held back. Here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are open, accessible and inclusive to all. Our Access Grants help anyone to build thriving creative careers, supporting jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners to access our training courses for free.
If you need help to cover fees for our business and technical skills short courses, please apply for one of our Access Grants. To find out more and read our application criteria, click here
The Access Grants are delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre and funded through modern philanthropic giving, via the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, from members of the Goldsmiths’ Company.
Who are the tutors?
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 on the Mitsuro Hikime book soon to be published. Her work has been exhibited at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock and Goldsmiths’ North.
Elsa Tierney is a London-based jewellery artist with expertise in wax carving and sculptural jewellery. She has authored the book Art of Wax and is currently developing a publication on Mitsuro Hikime. Elsa teaches wax carving at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and has exhibited at Goldsmiths’ Fair, winning multiple awards from the Goldsmiths’ Crafts and Design Council.