History

Kintsugi has a rich history that dates back several centuries in Japan. The exact origins of the practice are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 15th or early 16th century during the Muromachi period. Kintsugi gained prominence as a specialized art form during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century.

Initially, kintsugi was closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony, which emphasized simplicity, harmony, and the appreciation of imperfection. Tea masters and practitioners valued tea utensils that were well-crafted and visually appealing but also embraced the concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in the imperfect, the aged, and the weathered.

During the Edo period in the 17th century, kintsugi grew in popularity and became more accessible to a broader audience. It was no longer limited to tea utensils but extended to various ceramic and porcelain objects, including dishes, vases, and decorative items. Kintsugi was seen as a way to extend the lifespan of cherished possessions, honoring their history and sentimental value.

In recent years, kintsugi has gained global recognition and appreciation as a unique and meaningful art form. It has inspired artists, designers, and individuals worldwide to embrace imperfections, find beauty in the broken, and approach life's challenges with a spirit of resilience.

Food Safety

Traditional kintsugi has been proved its food safety. For centuries, urushi tree sap has been used as a key ingredient in traditional Japanese lacquerware and kintsugi. Urushi tree sap contains urushiol that gives the sap its unique properties, including its adhesive qualities, and resistance to water.

Traditional kintsugi requires only natural ingredients such as flour, wood powder, rice paste, and clay powder mixed with urushi to make adhesive which does not only acts as a binding agent but also fills in the gaps and reinforces the structure.

Once urushi is dried, we begin applying powdered precious metals, such as gold, silver, or brass. Urushi comes various colors but particularly in red and black. Gold, silver, red/black urushi finishes are considered as food safe, and brass finish is only for decorative purpose.

Processing Time

The time required to finish a traditional kintsugi piece can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the repair, the size of the object, but normally it takes about 2 moths or more. Here are the some of the steps that requires to mend shattered pieces.

  1. Before the actual repair work begins, the broken pieces need to be cleaned, assessed, and properly prepared. This step involves removing any dirt, debris, or previous adhesive residue, ensuring the surfaces are smooth and ready for repair.

  2. Reassembling and Adhesive Application: The process of reassembling the broken pieces requires careful alignment and precise placement. It takes about 2 weeks to completely cured.

  3. Make fillers and putty to fill all the gaps and missing parts. This stage requires to be repeated several times until all the gaps are completely filled in.

  4. Coating the fillers with urushi. Repeat the process of applying the urushi, and polish until the surface is smooth and refined.

  5. After the adhesive has dried, the golden seams of kintsugi are created by applying powdered precious metals, such as gold, silver, or brass. This step involves careful brushwork to evenly distribute the powder and achieve the desired aesthetic effect.

  6. Polishing and Finishing: The final step involves polishing the repaired areas to achieve a smooth, refined surface. This can involve buffing, burnishing to enhance the shine and texture of the kintsugi piece.

It's important to note that traditional kintsugi is a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. Each piece is unique, and the time taken to complete it is determined by the specific requirements and intricacies of the repair.

How to Take Care

• Kintsugi ware is delicate, so please handle it with care to prevent any further damage.

• Gently clean kintsugi ware with a soft cloth using mild soap and water, then wipe it dry. Please do not use harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials as they can damage the surface.

• Avoid exposing it to water for extended periods.

• Do not place it in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

• Please do not use kintsugi ware in the dishwasher or oven.

• Avoid putting it over direct heat.