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The purpose of the group is to help its members develop and expand their kintsugi skills. A prerequisite for participating in the group's activities is that at least a basic level of knowledge and skills about kintsugi has previously been acquired. For those new to kintsugi, basic courses are organized in Finland by, for example, civic colleges and the Kintsugi Association of Finland - Kintsugi Kyoukai ry.

Kintsugi Suomi - Kintsukuroi Finland Study Group meetings and a main part of the events can be attended remotely in addition to being present. Google Meet service is used for remote participation in meetings (no account or login required). The aim is to stream the events live and share them as recordings.

Own or borrowed equipment and materials?
Some basic tools and materials needed for kintsugi have been acquired for the study group. However, they are not enough as such for continuous use and participants should acquire at least their own necessary raw materials (varnishes, powders, cleaning and protective materials). Study group members can order equipment and materials that must be ordered from abroad as joint orders (from Germany or Japan). Some of the equipment and materials are also sold on site.

Helsinki

Study group meeting on Sundays (advance registration no later than the previous Thursday)
from 4pm to 7pm
see contact details
Material and equipment fee 4,00 euro/participation
Participating in a study group for the first time? Here are some additional information and tips

Are you interested in studying kintsugi? Contact us for more information.

Participating in a study group for the first time? Here are some additional information and tips

Welcome to the journey of learning ceramic repair through the traditional Japanese kintsugi method. Here are a few things that will help you get started with the kintsugi technique, providing you with essential information about the required tools and materials.


Basic Information about Kintsugi

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique in which broken ceramic objects are repaired or reattached using urushi lacquer.Resulting urushi seams and surfaces are embellished with real gold or other suitable metal powder. This method doesn't aim to conceal the damages but rather highlights them as a part of the object's story and beauty. Kintsugi symbolizes wholeness and acceptance while creating a new aesthetic.


Urushi Lacquer and Safety Precautions

Urushi lacquer is a traditional and natural material used in kintsugi repairs. It is toxic in its raw form and can cause severe allergies, so proper precautions are essential. Wear protective gloves and ensure that the lacquer does not come into contact with your skin or eyes. Work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator when necessary. It's advisable to protect your everyday clothing with an apron or other suitable protective wear.


Required Tools

  • Broken ceramic object (to start, it's best to choose an object with minor damage, such as a cracked cup or a piece that has broken into only a few parts)
  • Urushi lacquer
  • Fine gold or silver dust (or alternatively, metal dust)
  • Appropriate brush
  • Small spatula or palette knife
  • Cooking oil for removing urushi laquer that has gotten on the skin
  • Diamond file for smoothing the ceramic glaze
  • Painter's tape or other suitable adhesive tape for holding together pieces during repair
  • Disposable rubber gloves and safety glasses, as well as a respirator (while not necessary, safety precautions are always a good practice)
  • Transport container for the repaired object (e.g., plastic container)


Steps for Repairing with Kintsugi Method

Preparation: Thoroughly clean the broken object and ensure that the pieces fit together snugly. Gently sand (with a diamond file) the edges of the pieces to create space for the decorative lacquer. Remember that the resulting glass dust is dangerous to health if inhaled. When sanding (using a diamond file), protect yourself with a respirator or do the sanding in a well-ventilated area where glaze dust does not end up being inhaled.

Applying Urushi Lacquer: Use a brush to apply a thin layer of urushi lacquer onto the surfaces of the broken pieces. Let it dry for a few hours. Additionally, for pottery items, you can heat them in an oven at 120 degrees Celsius (248 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20 minutes during this step to make the ceramic surface more porous, allowing the urushi lacquer to adhere better. The lacquering process involves multiple stages, with seams being sanded and relacquered several times.

First Layer of Gold Dust: sprinkle a thin layer of gold or silver dust onto the urushi lacquer. Let it dry.

Protective Layer of Urushi Lacquer: Apply a thin layer of urushi lacquer over the gold dust. Let it dry.

Finishing: Gently polish the repaired area with a soft cloth. Ensure that the gold dust or metal dust shines beautifully.

In reality, there are many more steps, each involving different tools and various lacquer mixtures made according to specific recipes. These will be covered in detail during the course.


Tips

  • Take time for preparation and attention to detail
  • Work patiently, as kintsugi requires precision and time
  • Remember to follow safety guidelines when handling urushi lacquer. Learn how to handle urushi lacquer safely and appropriately
  • If the repaired object won't be used with food, you can use various gold or silver-colored, more affordable metal powders to create different repair effects
  • Develop your own style and express your personality in your repairs. Kintsugi repair is a process, so give yourself time to learn and improve
  • Each kintsugi repair is unique and one-of-a-kind, so let your creativity flow freely
  • Best of luck with your kintsugi repairs! Remember that this method emphasizes imperfection and narrative, so don't hesitate to let your personality shine through in your repairs

This guidance will help you embark on an exciting journey of kintsugi repair. Remember, each repair is unique and tells a story. Harness your creativity and enjoy this traditional form of art!

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