Broken Pottery, Can It Be Fixed? | A Beginner's Guide to Kintsugi
It's a shock when your favorite piece of pottery breaks, isn't it? Maybe it happened on a busy morning, just before heading out, when you accidentally bumped it against another dish in the sink while washing up. A moment of carelessness can be so disappointing. But if it's a design you love, a gift from someone special, or something quite expensive, you might not be able to give up on it right away, and it feels painful to just throw it away. You might find yourself wondering, "Can I just fix this with some ceramic glue?"
Depending on the condition, it is often possible to repair it.
In Japan, there is a traditional technique for repairing cracks and chips called "Kintsugi" (golden joinery). It is also sometimes referred to as Kintsukuroi.
What is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi is a technique that uses lacquer (urushi) to repair pottery, finishing the seams with gold, silver, or lacquer.
Rather than hiding the broken parts, the technique is characterized by intentionally highlighting them to "bring them to life as a landscape."
We can repair items in these conditions
• Broken pottery
• Pottery with missing pieces
• Cracked pottery
While the method varies depending on the condition, in many cases, repair is possible.
Even if you have lost the fragments, we may still be able to help.
The Appeal of Kintsugi
Kintsugi is not just a repair; it also gives the pottery a new expression.
We often hear people say they feel even more attached to the piece than before it broke, or that they might even prefer the version with the gold lines.
Because it is a technique of "Urushi-gei" (lacquer art) using lacquer, you can finish it not only with gold or silver, but also with powders like tin or brass, or apply lacquer finishes, maki-e, or raden (mother-of-pearl inlay).
No two finished pieces are the same, as each one develops an expression suited to that specific item.
[Regarding Requests]
At Kinémo, we accept Kintsugi repairs using traditional lacquer.
Estimates vary depending on the condition of the pottery, so please feel free to consult with us first.
▼ Click here for a preliminary estimatehttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7AI_CiZaJfH7LMuSxujoiXDefsQRFb9zI-AcshWT7VOYXCA/viewform?usp=send_form
By simply sending us a photo, we can provide an approximate assessment of whether it can be repaired and the cost.
Please send a photo with a tape measure or ruler placed next to the item so we can see the length of the cracks or chips.
※ For gold powder finishes, repairs typically cost between 10,000 and 20,000 yen, but this varies depending on the condition.
▼ For those who would like to experience Kintsugi themselves: Class details and reservations herehttps://reserva.be/traditionalkintsugi2024
Because the lacquer requires curing time, you will need to attend at least 5 to 6 sessions, or 10 or more depending on the condition, but you can work on multiple pieces simultaneously.
Since classes are small, you won't have to worry about feeling unable to ask questions.
The quiet time spent working with your hands can also be a moment to step away from daily life and center your mind.
▼Instagram (Repair examples and behind-the-scenes)
Please check the "Class" highlight for classroom scenes and our posts for repair examples.
Vessels you thought you had no choice but to throw away can return to your daily life once again.
I would be happy to help you with that.
※We also accept requests for on-site workshops for companies and facilities. Please contact us if you are interested.
Kinémo Traditional Kintsugi Class (By appointment) | 5-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station
Please feel free to send your inquiries or requests for estimates using the form above.