What’s KINTSUGI ?

金継ぎKINTSUGI  (金繕いKIN-TSUKUROI)is a restoration technique in which cracks and chips in a ceramic are joined and filled with 漆Urushi and finished by sprinkling gold powder on them.

金KIN＝gold   TSUGI=repairing, mending

The technique is called 銀継ぎGin-tsugi if silver powder is used instead of gold powder, and 漆継ぎUrushi-tsugi if coloured Urushi lacquer is used for finish.

Restoration using Urushi can be found as far back as the Jomon period(~10th century BC). Earthenware excavated from archaeological sites has been lacquered or restored using Urushi as an adhesive.

In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the rise of Urushi craft techniques such as 蒔絵maki-e and the spread of the tea ceremony spirit, which accepted even scars as part of the ceramic's character, led to the discovery of the artistic value of Kintsugi ceramics.

Today, kintsugi is attracting attention not only in Japan but also internationally.

Kintsugi uses Urushi, which is the sap of the "Urushi lacquer tree", as well as natural materials such as rice and wheat flour, grindstones and wooden powder. Therefore, ceramics restored by kintsugi, Gin-tsugi, Urushi-tsugi can be used safe again for eating and drinking. I believe that the real appeal and beauty of kintsugi is that it not only restores the shape and makes it look more glamorous, but also restores the original purpose of the ceramics by using Urushi and making it usable again in everyday life.

There are also repairs and expressions that are possible only with lacquer.

It is important in kintsugi to repair ceramics with respect for their makers, owners and the vessels themselves. I always try to repair the ceramic so that the repaired part will fit in with the ceramic and become a new harmony and scenery, while valuing the ceramic's original good qualities and attachment to it. To achieve this, it is essential to use a variety of Urushi craft techniques and to express the ceramic in a way that is appropriate to its expression.

Even the cracks, chips and other scars, which would normally be faults, are enjoyed and savoured as part of the ceramic's character. They can then be used again in daily life.

Through Kintsugi, I want people to feel the richness and splendour of using precious objects with care for a long time beyond the passage of time.

What's URUSHI?

• Urushi is the sap collected from the bark of the lacquer tree.
• Urushi is a versatile material that can be used as paint and adhesives.
• Since Urushi is NOT synthetic, and is a natural resin paint, ceramics repaired by Kintsugi can be used for eating and drinking.
• Urushi resistant to heat, moisture, acid and alkaline. It is also suitable for tableware due to its anti-rotting and insect-proof effects.

Aiko Zushi