Kintsugi for Beginners

Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break is what makes ceramics more valuable. The beginner’s Kintsugi process focuses on understanding the basic technique of Kintsugi on a small porcelain plate or a small ceramic plate, which will be provided by the instructor, to understand the fundamentals of this process.

Here is a quote about Kintsugi from Linda Muller, a certified life coach:

“Kintsugi is based on the philosophy that breakage and repair are something to celebrate – embracing flaws and imperfections creates a stronger and more beautiful piece of art. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing what feels broken, we become more unique, beautiful, and resilient. Kintsugi can be a way to reframe personal challenges. Reminding us that we’re not a victim of our circumstances. Showing us that we can come out on the other side stronger.”

In this beginner’s workshop, participants will learn the basic technique of Kintsugi on a small porcelain plate or a small ceramic plate, which the instructor will provide, to understand the fundamentals of this process. All materials, including adhesives in the workshop, will be food-safe. We will also use an artificial Urushi (the natural resin/glue collected from the lacquer tree) sap for this beginner’s class, which is safe to touch without allergic reactions.

In the “Kintsugi for Beginners” workshop, epoxy putty will be used in addition to the ceramic glue. These materials may make the students’ fingers sticky, and some remnants of epoxy might also stay on their fingers for a few days. There will be finger covers for students to use, but often, that makes working with these materials a bit difficult.

This class will use epoxy putty in addition to the ceramic glue. This may make the students’ fingers sticky, and some remnants of epoxy might also stay on their fingers for a few days. I have finger covers and gloves for students to use in case anyone needs it

This event is a collaboration between Japanese Culture Center and Heritage Museum of Chicago.

Accessibility:

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.

Artist Bio:

Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and scholar in Chicago. She received her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and earned a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan.

With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives in many U.S. communities. She is expanding her creativity to incorporate more specific discourses around society, past and present via a lens of Japanese art. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.