{"id":14655,"date":"2022-09-16T16:49:51","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T14:49:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homesandantiques.com\/?p=35057"},"modified":"2022-09-16T17:01:30","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T15:01:30","slug":"kintsugi-how-to-do-it-different-methods-and-best-kits","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/rss_feed\/kintsugi-how-to-do-it-different-methods-and-best-kits\/","title":{"rendered":"Kintsugi: how to do it, different methods and best kits"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Freya Parr\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 16 September 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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We all know that horrible sinking feeling when your favourite bowl or mug hits the floor. The crack of ceramic on tile is one we all dread. But what if there were a way of repairing broken ceramic<\/a> and porcelain objects that made them look even\u00a0<\/em>more fabulous? The Japanese art of mending old bowls and plates, filling their cracks with gold, has become a popular way of bringing new life to old ceramics.<\/p>\n

What is kintsugi?<\/h2>\n

Kintsugi is the centuries-old Japanese art of mending broken, cracked and damaged ceramics. Traditionally, the repairs were completed using \u2018urushi\u2019 (Japanese lacquer) dusted with powdered gold. Rather than disguising the damage, the gold lacquer shows off the cracks, often making them more precious than before.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t have to be gold that\u2019s used for kintsugi, however. Silver powder can be used as a finish, with the missing fragments replaced with pieces of different ceramics or pieces of wood.<\/p>\n

It has become a form of art, with many artists breaking ceramics on purpose so they can repair them in this vibrant, unusual way.<\/p>\n

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What does kintsugi mean?<\/h2>\n

The word \u2018kintsugi\u2019 translates from the Japanese for \u2018golden joinery\u2019. \u2018Kin\u2019 is the Japanese word for \u2018gold\u2019, while \u2018tsugi\u2019 is join.<\/p>\n

The artform is also known as \u2018kintsukuroi\u2019, the Japanese term for \u2018golden repair\u2019. These direct translations focus on the element of gold, which is the main colouring used for the process.<\/p>\n

Most kintsugi repairs aren\u2019t done using real gold. Instead, artists and restorers use a blend of brass, copper and zinc to create a gold effect lacquer. Visually, it tends to look no different from the real thing.<\/p>\n

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What does kintsugi symbolise and what is its philosophy?<\/h2>\n

The Japanese metaphor of kintsugi is all about embracing imperfections and making damage and scars beautiful, in a way that shows the changes they\u2019ve been through but honouring this \u2013 rather than hiding them away.<\/p>\n

Kintsugi is not simply a form of repair; it is a philosophy, and a way of bringing new beauty to a damaged object.<\/p>\n

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Video by <\/em>pojstudio<\/a> via Instagram<\/em><\/p>\n

What are the different methods of kintsugi?<\/h2>\n

There are three main types of kintsugi, which each use a different method.<\/p>\n

Crack method<\/h3>\n

The simplest and most common method of kintsugi: you simply join pieces of ceramic together with minimal, delicate lines, using golden adhesive.<\/p>\n

Makienaoshi method<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re missing fragments from your ceramic, you can replace them with fragments made entirely from the golden adhesive. This is a great choice for ceramics with missing chips or shattered areas.<\/p>\n

Joint method<\/h3>\n

If you have two broken ceramics, you can use them together to make an entirely new item. Granted, you have to find parts that fit together, but if done well, this can be a thoroughly effective method.<\/p>\n

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How to do kintsugi<\/h2>\n

Step 1: Choose your kintsugi object<\/h3>\n

Find a broken ceramic, preferably one used for decorative purposes rather than for the consumption of food or drink. This is important because the lacquer used may contain damaging toxins.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Choose your method of kintsugi<\/h3>\n

Depending on how your ceramic has been broken, you\u2019ll be able to choose an appropriate method. If it\u2019s a clean cut down the middle, go for the crack method. If there are chunks missing, try the Makienaoshi or joint methods.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Prepare your lacquer adhesive<\/h3>\n

If you buy an at-home kintsugi kit, this will usually be prepared for you. If you\u2019re making it from scratch, use two parts clear ceramic adhesive and one part mica powder. Mix these together on scrap paper, just before you start gluing the objects together. Move quickly, as it dries fast.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you could use one part clear ceramic adhesive with liquid gold leaf.<\/p>\n

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