Intro to Kintsugi (Japanese pottery repair)

Kintsugi is the Japanese tradition of pottery repair. In this art, broken pieces are reassembled, and cracks are highlighted rather than hidden.

When joined with the traditional urushi lacquer, repairs can take weeks or even months as each curing step can require 2-7 days in the muro (a humid curing box).

In this class, we will use a quick-cure epoxy, allowing you to go home at the end of the day with a final piece. This is a nice way to get started since urushi lacquer is so time-intensive - and slightly hazardous!

NOTE: This is a BYOP (bring your own pottery) class. We suggest keeping it simple for your first class, broken up into seven parts or less. Instructor can provide pottery to students for an additional $10 materials fee ($30 total)

• Learn about traditional Kintsugi and how urushi lacquer and the muro curing boxes were used.
• Repair a piece of broken pottery using Epoxy and liquid gold leaf.

All ages are welcome! All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

• Epoxy, liquid gold leaf, painter's tape, sandpaper, rubber bands, etc.
• Access to A2's Flex Space and tools for the duration of the session.

Quantum first started practicing Kintsugi in 2021 when he wanted to fix a broken souvenir plate (two pieces, epoxy + liquid gold leaf). Since then, he has ventured deeper into the art by working on more complex breaks and utilizing traditional materials (urushi lacquer), and constructing a muro (wooden curing box). During his latest trip to Japan, he took a workshop with kintsugi master David Pike. For more, visit kinstugi.boston.