KINTSUGI - MY GOLDEN JOURNEY

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At the beginning of my pottery journey, I often experienced cracks and a few disasters during the firing process. Kiln unloading days are the most exciting for me, but any cracks in my pieces always frustrate me. Initially, I tried to camouflage the cracks with epoxy, but eventually, 

I realized I needed to approach it the right way. 

That’s when I began to explore the concept of Kintsugi, 

the Japanese art of repairing broken fragments.

Kintsugi gold joinery, is the Japanese art of repairing chipped, cracked, and broken, mostly ceramic and porcelain tableware, using only 100% natural materials including urushi lacquer and finishing with 24K gold powder. While the intention of Western styles of repair are to mimic the original state and make the repaired item look as though it was never damaged, kintsugi highlights the breakages and celebrates the unique story of the wares that make our house a home.

Kintsugi is an old technique in traditional Japanese art and crafts. 

It uses a natural, organic sap derived from the urushi tree.

(Toxicodendron vernicifluum), used as a durable lacquer, known for its strong adhesive properties and glossy, water-resistant finish

Once hardened, urushi becomes highly durable and resistant to water, heat, acids, and alkalis. 

Its strong adhesive properties allow it to bond effectively with various materials, such as wood, metal, ceramics, and leather. 

Urushi produces a beautiful, shiny finish. 

Urushi hardens through oxidation, catalyzed by laccase, forming a hard, plastic-like substance in high humidity (70-80% RH) and warm temperatures (20-25°C). 

Raw urushi lacquer is toxic to touch and can cause allergic reactions similar to poison ivy, so proper handling with gloves and in a well-ventilated area is crucial.

The use of urushi has a long history, with lacquered artifacts dating back to the prehistoric Jomon period (10,000–300 BCE) found in Japan. 

Urushi is used in a wide range of applications, including tableware, decorative objects, and even burial clothes. 

But be aware it is an extremely time-consuming process, each step needs time to cure and even a small cup or bowl will take approximately 2-3 months of work.