Saturday 4th July 10:15 – 11:45am
A maximum of 12 participants
In recent years Kintsugi has gained worldwide recognition – but what does it truly represent? Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art of repairing broken, chipped, or cracked ceramics. Using urushi (natural Japanese lacquer) as an adhesive, the fragments are carefully rejoined, and the seams are delicately finished with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than concealing damage, Kintsugi highlights it – transforming cracks into luminous pathways and allowing imperfections to become part of the object’s new “landscape.”
This practice reflects the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi – an appreciation for impermanence and imperfection – as well as a deep respect and attachment to cherished belongings. In today’s world, Kintsugi also resonates as a sustainable practice, encouraging us to treasure and extend the life of what we own instead of discarding it.
Traditional Kintsugi requires natural lacquer, a material that demands careful handling and extended drying time. The process is meticulous and can take weeks or even months to complete. Additionally, urushi may cause skin irritation for some individuals.
In this workshop, we introduce a simplified and accessible approach to Kintsugi. Instead of natural lacquer, we use epoxy adhesive for bonding and finish the seams with brass or silver powder to achieve a lacquer-like effect. This method eliminates concerns about skin sensitivity and allows beginners to experience the essence of Kintsugi safely and comfortably.
Participants will work with sea pottery and sea glass to create one-of-a-kind earrings or clip-ons. All materials are included, and you’ll make one or two pair of earrings to take home. The organic textures of sea pottery and the translucent beauty of sea glass are gently enhanced with golden accents, coming together to form a uniquely expressive and poetic “landscape.”
Join Kanae in discovering how broken pieces can be transformed into something even more beautiful than before!
