We’ve all experienced that sickening moment when a cherished ceramic mug, plate, or vase slips from our hands and shatters on the floor. Our first instinct is almost always the same: throw it away. But what if a broken object didn’t have to be discarded? What if a break wasn’t the end of its story, but the beginning of a new one? Kintsugi is the beautiful Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a golden lacquer, celebrating the object’s history rather than trying to hide its flaws. It’s a profound philosophy in a world that often demands perfection. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to make your first Kintsugi repair, so you can turn a broken object into a beautiful work of art.
What is Kintsugi? The Philosophy Behind the Practice
The word ‘Kintsugi’ literally translates to ‘golden joinery’. It is an ancient Japanese art form that dates back to the 15th century. Legend has it that the practice began when a Japanese shogun sent a favourite broken tea bowl back to China for repair. When it returned, it had been crudely mended with metal staples. Unhappy with the result, he challenged his artisans to come up with a better solution, and the art of Kintsugi was born. The result was a repair that did not attempt to hide the damage but instead highlighted it, transforming the crack into a beautiful vein of gold.
This critical idea is at the heart of the philosophy of Kintsugi. It is deeply connected to the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. The philosophy teaches us that an object is not to be discarded just because it has been broken. Instead, its flaws and history become part of its beauty, adding character and uniqueness. The brokenness is not a flaw to be hidden but a feature to be celebrated, a visual record of its life that tells a beautiful story of resilience and healing. —
Your Essential Starter Kit: Modern and Accessible
Traditional Kintsugi uses a very specific lacquer called Urushi, which can be difficult and time-consuming to work with. For a beginner, a modern kit using a simple epoxy adhesive is a brilliant alternative. It’s safe, easy to use, and provides a beautiful result that perfectly captures the spirit of Kintsugi. Here’s what you will need for a simple repair:
- A Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive: This will serve as your glue. It’s a two-part system that you mix together, and it dries quickly and very hard. It’s the perfect adhesive for this kind of work.
- Gold Powder (or Gold-Coloured Powder): The star of the show! You can buy genuine gold powder, but brass powder is a much more affordable and brilliant-looking alternative that provides the same beautiful golden colour.
- A Small Mixing Palette: You will need a disposable surface to mix your adhesive and gold powder on. An old piece of plastic or a disposable plate works perfectly.
- A Thin Brush or Tool: A fine, disposable artist’s brush, a toothpick, or a small mixing stick will be used to apply the adhesive to the cracks.
- A Pair of Disposable Gloves: Essential for keeping your hands clean and safe.
You can find pre-made beginner kits that include all of these items, which is the easiest way to get started and a perfect way to dip your toe into the craft. —
A Step-by-Step Guide for a Modern Repair
Before you begin, make sure your broken pieces are clean and dry. Lay a piece of scrap paper or plastic down on your work surface to protect it. Remember, you want to be a bit messy! Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Step 1: Mix Your Adhesive and Gold
On your mixing palette, squeeze out a small, equal amount of both parts of your two-part epoxy. Using your mixing stick, combine them thoroughly. Now, add a generous pinch of your gold powder. The more you add, the more opaque and golden your final repair will be. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, golden paste. You will have about 5 to 10 minutes to work with this mixture before it begins to set, so work quickly but carefully.
Step 2: Join the Pieces
Using your mixing stick or a fine brush, apply a small, thin layer of your golden paste to the broken edges of one of the pieces. Press the pieces together firmly, making sure the edges align perfectly. Hold them in place for about 10 seconds. You may see a small amount of the golden paste squeeze out from the crack. This is perfectly normal and a sign that you have applied enough adhesive. Repeat this process, joining one piece at a time, until the object is complete. Use a paper towel to carefully wipe away any excess adhesive from the surface of the object before it dries.
Step 3: The Finishing Touch
Once you have joined all your pieces, you can add an extra finishing touch. Before the adhesive fully cures, take a clean, dry brush and dip it into your dry gold powder. Gently dust a little extra gold over the freshly mended seams. This will make the final golden lines even more brilliant and beautiful. This is an optional step, but it is one that will elevate the final look of your piece.
Step 4: The Drying Process
The adhesive will begin to set in a few minutes, but it will need to fully cure. Leave your repaired object to dry on your work surface, untouched, for at least 24 hours. The object will be ready for light handling after that, but to be safe, avoid using it with food or drink. This is an artistic, not a functional, repair.
Kintsugi is a beautiful craft that teaches us that a broken object is not worthless. By embracing the cracks and celebrating the history, you can transform something that was once broken into a piece of art that tells a story of healing and resilience. The final result isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding beauty in the flaws. It’s a powerful lesson, and it’s a wonderful project to try for yourself.
