Pottery Retreat in the City
Wheel Throwing & Japanese Techniques
December 10–12, 2026 · Milan, Italy
Give yourself the gift of creativity this December.
Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in three days of pottery, Japanese craftsmanship, and creative exploration in the heart of Milan.
From the meditative rhythm of the pottery wheel to the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi, Nerikomi, and Kurinuki, this intimate retreat invites you to slow down, discover new skills, and reconnect with the joy of making.
14 hours of hands-on workshops · Taught in English · Only 7 participants
The Experiences
Wheel Throwing
Discover the rhythm of the pottery wheel and learn how to transform a simple piece of clay into a balanced, functional form. Beginners will start with the fundamentals of centering, opening and pulling the walls, while more experienced participants can work on more complex shapes, larger forms or personal projects. Each participant will be guided according to their own level and pace.
Wheel Trimming
Return to the pieces created the day before and refine them directly on the pottery wheel. During this session, you will learn how to trim excess clay, define the foot, improve proportions and give each form a lighter, more finished appearance. You will also have the opportunity to add decorative details and surface finishes, completing the pieces you started during the first wheel-throwing session.
Kintsugi
Explore the beauty of imperfection through Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics while highlighting their fractures rather than hiding them. You will reconstruct a fragmented ceramic piece and transform its cracks into a visible part of its story, creating an object that celebrates repair, change and uniqueness.
Kurinuki
Discover Kurinuki, a Japanese handbuilding technique based on carving and hollowing a solid block of clay. Instead of aiming for perfect symmetry, this process embraces texture, spontaneity and the natural marks left by your hands and tools. You will create a sculptural ceramic piece with an organic, tactile character that is completely your own.
Nerikomi
Experiment with colored clays to create intricate patterns, flowing lines, and geometric compositions. Discover how layering, combining, and carefully arranging different colors can turn the clay itself into a decorative canvas. Explore this fascinating Japanese technique as you create unique ceramic pieces where patterns emerge naturally from within the material, making every creation truly one of a kind.
The Programme
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Welcome Coffee & Kintsugi
Begin your retreat with coffee, sweet treats, and a warm welcome to the studio.
We'll then explore Kintsugi, learning to repair broken ceramics and highlight their fractures with golden details, giving each piece a new story.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Wheel Throwing
Get hands-on with the pottery wheel. Learn the fundamentals of preparing, centering, and shaping clay, guided step by step through the process of creating your own ceramic forms.
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Nerikomi
Discover the expressive possibilities of colored clay. Experiment with layering, combining, and arranging different clays to create distinctive patterns and compositions.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Wheel Trimming & Decoration
Refine the pieces created during your first wheel session. Learn trimming and surface decoration techniques to perfect your forms and add your own personal touch.
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Kurinuki & Goodbye Gift
Explore the Japanese art of carving clay, transforming a solid block into an organic, sculptural creation.
We'll end our retreat with a special farewell gift from Terra Lumina Studio, a little reminder of your creative journey.
Useful Details
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Never tried the pottery wheel before?
You’re absolutely welcome. We’ll guide you through the basics of clay preparation, centering and creating your first forms, step by step and at your own pace.
Already have experience?
You can refine your technique, explore more complex forms or develop your own personal project with the teacher’s guidance.
Open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced potters.
Minimum age: 14 years old. -
Each participant will have access to up to 5 kg of clay for the wheel-throwing sessions.
The retreat includes:
use of pottery wheels and studio tools;
up to 5 kg of clay per participant;
all materials required for the workshops;
materials for trimming and decoration;
firing of the ceramic pieces created during the retreat;
all materials required for the Kintsugi workshop;
all materials required for the Nerikomi workshop;
all materials required for the Kurinuki workshop.
Once ready, your pieces can be collected free of charge from Terra Lumina Studio in Milan.
Shipping is also available for an additional fee.
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We have intentionally chosen to keep this retreat small.
Rather than creating a large pottery class, all workshops will take place in a group of maximum 7 participants.
This means more time at the wheel, more space to work, more individual guidance and the possibility of adapting the experience to each participant's level.
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To secure your place at the Pottery Retreat in the City, full payment is required at the time of booking. As the retreat is limited to just 7 participants, places are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellations & Changes
All bookings are final, non-refundable, and cannot be rescheduled. If you're unable to attend, you may transfer your place to another person by contacting us in advance.
Ceramic Pieces & Shipping
All materials, firings, and finishing are included in the retreat price. Your finished ceramic pieces will be available for collection at Terra Lumina Studio once ready. Shipping can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
Retreat Cancellation
In the unlikely event that Terra Lumina Studio cancels the retreat, participants will receive a full refund of the amount paid.
Retreat Fee
€630 €577 per person - Early Booking by 26th of November
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything you need to create.
We've taken care of the details so you can focus on the experience.
14 hours of intensive pottery workshops, entirely taught in English.
2 wheel throwing sessions (3 hours each).
3 Japanese technique workshops: Kintsugi, Nerikomi, and Kurinuki (2.5 hours each).
All clay, materials, tools, and equipment.
All ceramic firings and finishing.
Coffee, drinks, and sweet treats throughout the retreat.
Personalized guidance in a small group of 7 participants.
A special farewell gift from Terra Lumina Studio.
Your ceramic pieces will be ready for collection at the studio after firing and finishing. Shipping is not included but can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
Request to Book
Submit your request and we’ll check availability. If available, you’ll receive an email with the payment details.
Payment must be completed within 24 hours to secure your place. Your booking is considered confirmed only once the full payment has been received.
All bookings are final, non-refundable, and cannot be rescheduled. If you're unable to attend, you may transfer your place to another person by contacting us in advance.
In the unlikely event that Terra Lumina Studio cancels the retreat, participants will receive a full refund of the amount paid.