Mitsuro Hikime Wax Technique with Kumiko Kihara 20 & 21 June 2026

*Please contact us to be added to the reserve list*

9:30 - 16:00 Both days

Discover the art of Mitsuro Hikime – a traditional Japanese technique that translates as “beeswax pulling texture.” Known for its fluid, organic lines and sculptural elegance, this ancient process opens up exciting new possibilities for jewellers and makers looking to explore texture and form beyond conventional methods.

Led by experienced artist Kumiko Kihara, this hands-on session combines live demonstrations with plenty of time to experiment yourself. You’ll learn how to make the wax, understand its unique properties, and shape it into beautifully detailed forms with confidence.

With just a small group, you’ll benefit from personal guidance throughout—and leave inspired to continue developing the technique in your own work.

Kumiko Kihara is a Japanese-born jeweller based in Oxfordshire, whose work blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Raised in Kyoto, she draws on the cultural richness of her heritage, particularly the ancient Mitsuro Hikime technique—a beeswax-based method known for its flowing, organic textures.

Trained in Japan, Germany, and Spain, Kumiko studied under renowned jeweller Ramón Puig Cuyàs, developing a distinctive style that explores form, space, and natural rhythm. She makes her own wax from natural ingredients, allowing for sculptural pieces that are both elegant and expressive.

Kumiko’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at Goldsmiths’ North and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She is a recipient of a QEST scholarship and an AGAATI eco-award, recognising her commitment to traditional techniques and responsible making.

Her jewellery tells quiet, powerful stories—pieces shaped by hand, heritage, and a deep respect for nature.