Mitsuro Hikime: Tracing the Line – Past and Present
- Date
- 27 Apr 2026 · 6:00PM - 8:30PM
- Price
- £15 (incl a glass of wine or a soft drink)
- Venue
- The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London EC1M 5AD
- Programme type
- Talks
Join us to explore the Japanese wax sculpting technique of mitsuro hikime, past and present, with Elsa Tierney and Kumiko Kihara, as they launch their book Mitsuro Hikime: Japanese Wax Sculpting.
Chaired by Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager at the Goldsmiths Centre, the evening will begin with a talk by the authors, discussing the history of the technique and its use in Japanese metalwork, from historical practice to contemporary Japanese artists working today. They will share a wide range of visual references collected in the development of their practice using this technique, as well as in the research for their book, in Japan and beyond.
Their talk will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions, view a display of mitsuro hikime wax and cast works by Elsa and Kumiko, purchase the brand new book and have it signed. The book, Mitsuro Hikime: Japanese Wax Sculpting, can be pre-ordered from the Goldsmiths' Centre online shop, for collection and signing on the night, or to be posted or collected after this date.
The Goldsmiths Centre is pleased to have supported the authors’ research and development at the Tomoyasu School, through a Goldsmiths' Catalyst Grant, and so contributing to the realisation of this significant publication.
About the publication
Mitsuro Hikime: Japanese Wax Sculpting is the first publication of its kind to document this Japanese wax technique for jewellery and sculpting in depth and as the sole subject. It includes precise technical instructions from the Tomoyasu School in Japan, alongside detailed technical chapters by the authors sharing their own personal approaches to working with this unique wax sculpting technique.
The publication also charts the use of mitsuro hikime historically and in contemporary practice, with examples spanning jewellery and fine metalwork from Japan’s past to the present day. A dedicated gallery celebrates the Japanese artists who have pioneered the technique and demonstrate the highest quality of mitsuro hikime used in art and jewellery. Published by ArtMatter, the book is available in a large-format hardback edition, with 272 pages and 338 colour illustrations.
FAQs:
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Who are the speakers?
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.
Julia Skilton joined the Goldsmiths’ Centre in 2017 from the Goldsmiths' Company, carrying over her work on grants and training programmes. Julia now leads the charity’s grant making programmes, which involves creating individual grants to support makers in their careers, or to access training opportunities, as well as developing partnerships with like minded organisations to support the industry. This can involve support for young people entering the industry through school programmes and workshops, right through to tackling key challenges like sustainability. Julia is passionate about craft education, and combines her work with a part time PhD researching craft pedagogy at the University of Edinburgh.