Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that repairs broken pottery with lacquer, traditionally using gold, silver, or platinum to fill cracks and create a beautiful, unique piece. This technique, also known as "kintsukuroi," emphasizes the beauty of imperfection. Rather than discarding broken pieces, kintsugi transforms them into something new and even more valuable.

The Charm of Kintsugi

Kintsugi beautifully combines functionality with artistic expression. By embracing the cracks and imperfections, it elevates the object to a level beyond its original state, showcasing the artistry of both the original potter and the kintsugi artist.

History of Kintsugi

The use of lacquer for repairs dates back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), during which the tea ceremony and flower arrangement flourished. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1603), the art of embellishing repairs with gold, known as "kintsugi," became increasingly popular.

Method of Kintsugi

The process varies depending on the type of break and the size of the object, but generally follows these steps:

1. Cleaning, Shaping, and Strengthening the Base: The broken piece is carefully cleaned, the edges of the break are smoothed, and the base is strengthened.
2. Applying the First Layer of Lacquer: A layer of lacquer is applied to the break and left to harden.
3.  Filling the Crack with Lacquer: After the first layer hardens, a special type of lacquer called "sabi urushi" is applied, filling the crack. This lacquer, made from aged lacquer, creates a durable and visually appealing finish.
4. Polishing the Lacquer: The sabi urushi is then polished smooth, creating a seamless surface.
5.  Applying a Second Layer of Lacquer: A second layer of lacquer is applied to the entire piece, ensuring a smooth finish.
6. Applying Color: A thin layer of colored lacquer may be applied before the final step of applying gold powder or gold dust.
7. Applying the Gold Powder (or Gold Dust): Gold Powder or gold dust is applied in multiple layers to enhance the beauty and durability of the repair.
8. Refining the Edges: Any excess gold powder or gold dust is carefully removed.
9. Securing the Gold Powder: The final step involves securing the gold powder or gold dust with a clear lacquer, ensuring its longevity.

Materials Used in Kintsugi

• Lacquer/Urushi
• Turpentine
  
• Gold powder (Gold powder: Keshi-fun, Maru-fun, Hirame-fun)
• Silver powder
• Black powder, 弁がら (Bengara, a red-brown pigment)
  
• Oil
  
• Strong flour
  
• Wood powder *砥粉 (Tonoko, a type of polishing powder)

Gold powder (消粉, Keshi-fun) is known for its subtle, elegant sheen, compared to larger-grained goldpowder.

Tools Used in Kintsugi

• Plate
• Masking tape
• Cotton wool
• Sandpaper
• Work palette
• Brush
• Plastic spatula
• Bamboo skewer
• Toothpick
• Bamboo spatula
• Dropper
• Teaspoon
• Cotton swab
• Gloves to protect hands from lacquer
• Design Knife
• Sulfuric paper
• 美吉野紙 (Miyoshi paper, a type of paper used in Japanese arts)

Final Thoughts

The kintsugi process is a layered and meticulous one. It embodies the Japanese tradition of cherishing objects and finding beauty in the passage of time. By transforming imperfection into something unique and beautiful, kintsugi offers a timeless lesson in finding beauty in the unexpected.

Upcoming Workshop

Shizendo is hosting a workshop on "箔の日 - Haku no Hi" (August 9th), focusing on the fun and intricate art of Maki-e (sprinkling gold powder or gold dust) in kintsugi.
Learn more and sign up here

Reference: "Kantan Kintsukuroi Book" by Tankosha