Mitsuro Hikime: Tracing the Line – Past and Present, Mon 27 April 2026, 6 – 8.30pm, £15 (incl a drink), The Goldsmiths’ Centre
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.
Do you record or broadcast events?
We run our events in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and online, so that as many of our community as possible can exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and form valuable connections across the UK. We do not record these events, or broadcast them, to encourage the open sharing of ideas and experiences and preserve confidentiality. Popular topics will be repeated over time.
Do you have any access requirements?
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
Who are the speakers?
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.
Julia Skiton leads programmes at the Goldsmiths’ Centre which enable widening representation and skill development through collaboration, grant making and outreach. Alongside this, she is undertaking a part time PhD at the University of Edinburgh, exploring the potential of material engagement as an ecological and inclusive approach to education. Julia has worked with Elsa Tierney as a grant maker, researcher, and latterly as a student, learning about Mitsuro Hikime.
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.
Ticket options
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.
Do you record or broadcast events?
We run our events in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and online, so that as many of our community as possible can exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and form valuable connections across the UK. We do not record these events, or broadcast them, to encourage the open sharing of ideas and experiences and preserve confidentiality. Popular topics will be repeated over time.
Do you have any access requirements?
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
Who are the speakers?
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.
Julia Skiton leads programmes at the Goldsmiths’ Centre which enable widening representation and skill development through collaboration, grant making and outreach. Alongside this, she is undertaking a part time PhD at the University of Edinburgh, exploring the potential of material engagement as an ecological and inclusive approach to education. Julia has worked with Elsa Tierney as a grant maker, researcher, and latterly as a student, learning about Mitsuro Hikime.
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.
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