Traditional Kintsugi Workshop

Workshop Overview

In this course, you will learn how to repair ceramics using traditional Kintsugi with natural lacquer, urushi. This method can be slow and delicate (unlike the quicker epoxy technique), but the results are much more beautiful and, since we use all-natural materials, it’s also food-safe.

The process involves several stages with drying time between them, so the course will meet 4 times, with each session lasting 2 hours.

You will learn how to mend broken ceramic pieces, fill in chips, and apply urushi. Kintsugi is a patient, detailed process, but by the end, you’ll have the knowledge to continue at home and a resurrected ceramic piece.

Course Structure

Session 1 Introduction to the materials, preparing and mending the pieces.

Session 2 Filling cracks and care/maintenance of the mended ceramics

Session 3 Filing, polishing and sealing with undercoat

Session 4 Applying gold/silver powder and final refinements.

Experience

This course is ideal for those who are ready to spend time carefully restoring something meaningful, or for anyone fascinated by the intricate process of traditional Kintsugi.

You will bring your own broken ceramic pieces

*** there are requirements for size of the pieces and the breakage

*it must be something you can hold in your hand comfortably (cup or small bowl)

*up to 2 things (it takes a very long time to fix even a tiny size chip)

*please do not bring a single object that is broken in more than 4 pieces

*nothing with gaps that are bigger than a 10 kr coin

Location

Blå Huset

Norra Grängesbergsgatan 15

map

Material

You don’t have to bring anything besides your ceramic pieces and long sleeve shirt that you don't mind getting dirty.

You will be provided with all materials (gloves, urushi, tools, paintbrushes, clay powder, wood powder, etc )

The only additional optional fee is the gold and silver powder, which I provide separately depending on how you would like to finish your kintsugi work and how much is needed.

Approximate cost

Gold 1 mm wide 10 cm line = 20 kr

Silver 1 mm wide 10 cm line = 5 kr

*real gold/silver prices are very high now, but it is important that it be genuine because it is the most food safe. If your object is not meant for food/drink, then you can also use alternative gold which is provided free of charge. (Ex. If it is a handle on a cup, it is also fine to use alternative gold)

It is of course an option to keep your mended things with just the urushi itself.

**Urushi can irritate the skin if it comes into direct contact. We’ll be using gloves during the course, but if you have any skin concerns, please take a moment to research the potential risks of urushi.