Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form that involves repairing broken pottery or ceramics with tree sap called “urushi” and metal powders such as gold, silver and brass. The term "kintsugi" can be translated as "golden joinery" or "golden repair." Instead of disguising or hiding the mended areas, kintsugi emphasizes and celebrates the mended parts, turning them into beautiful and prominent features of the object.
While gold is the most traditional and well-known material used in kintsugi, other metals such as silver and brass can also be used. Each metal choice imparts a different aesthetic and can be selected based on personal preference or the desired effect.
Experience the therapeutic power of kintsugi in our personalized online and in person private lessons, where you'll learn to mend and embellish ceramics with precious metals.
Nao Shaneyfelt
Nao is originally hailing from Osaka, Japan, her artistic journey has taken her across continents, ultimately leading her to pursue a degree in art from University of Arkansas at Little Rock where her husband is from.
During the challenging times of the pandemic, She discovered the beauty of kintsugi and found it as therapeutic and meditating. She had the incredible opportunity to train under the guidance of master kintsugi artist, Kyoko Ohwaki, in Tokyo. She honed her skills and developed a profound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and philosophy behind kintsugi.