Kintsugi – A Time Filled with Richness
Kintsugi – A Time Filled with Richness
In an age where convenience is everywhere, there must be some reason why we feel the need to take the time and effort to repair things using lacquer. Kintsugi, once simply a method for repairing broken items, has now come to hold deeper meanings. In these hectic times, I hope that the time spent slowly and carefully on kintsugi becomes a rich and fulfilling experience for you.
Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken or chipped ceramics and porcelain using natural lacquer.
INFORMATION
Time: 18:30 – 20:30
Capacity: 6 participants
Participation Fee: 42,000 yen (for 6 sessions, including materials, excluding gold leaf costs)
What to bring: Apron
- If you miss any sessions, the instructor will make up the work for you.
- All materials will be provided.
- Gold powder will be available for purchase.
DATE
The process will be completed over six sessions.
October 13th (Friday)
Foundation Work
We will assess the best way to repair the item you have brought, and prepare the chipped or cracked areas. Then, we will create a foundation using urushi (lacquer) mixed with mountain soil to fill the gaps.
October 27th (Friday)
Smoothing the Foundation
Using a knife or sandpaper, we will smooth the dried lacquer to your preferred shape. Afterward, we will use the urushi mixture again to refine the shape.
November 10th (Friday)
Smoothing the Foundation and Applying Black Lacquer
We will further refine the foundation with sandpaper and apply black lacquer. This coat provides waterproofing, so it should completely cover the underlying urushi layer.
November 24th (Friday)
Final Coating
After smoothing the black lacquer with sandpaper, we will apply the final coat. The lacquer should be evenly applied to create a smooth surface.
December 8th (Friday)
Applying Gold Powder
Using decorative lacquer, we will coat the black lacquer and apply gold powder. You may also paint any design you like on the black lacquer.
December 15th (Friday)
Finalizing the Gold
The dried gold will be coated with raw lacquer and left to dry for about a week to complete the piece.
INSTRUCTOR
Kei
Kei trained at a workshop in Kyoto and now works independently as a kintsugi artist.