Description
We know all too well that using ceramics over time will involve some of them becoming chipped or broken. Instead of throwing them away there is a Japanese practice which highlights and enhances the breaks creating a beautiful piece of art.
It’s called Kintsugi , or Kintsukuroi , literally golden (“kin”) and repair (“tsugi”).
Kintsugi is the process of repairing ceramics traditionally with lacquer and gold, leaving a gold seam where the cracks were.
The technique consists in joining fragments and giving them a new, more refined aspect. Every repaired piece is unique, because of the randomness with which ceramics shatters and the irregular patterns formed that are enhanced with the use of metals.
Every repaired piece is unique, the “scars” become part of the design creating a unique piece of art.
We are going to use a slightly different approaching from the traditional technique and instead of gold we will use gold mika powder which gives similar visual results. You can also buy a Kintsugi repair kit, but be sure to check the one you use is food-safe, if you intend to use the repaired item with food.
Remember that this process takes practice, your first few attempts might not be something to brag about but with time your skills will be formidable.
