Elemental Studios

Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is the Japanese craft of repairing ceramics. Fractures are no longer weak points, but beautiful elements. Mended breakages are celebrated with gold instead of being hidden. This philosophy is often taught as embracing imperfections in our life, the beauty of human flaws. While the traditional method is more challenging and requires precaution with the materials, the “modern” Kintsugi method uses accessible materials and is ideal for beginners. As the materials for the repair are not food safe, repaired items are displays.

Workshop instructions

All supplies will be provided including a broken ceramic bowl to practice.

You are also welcome to bring a couple of damaged ceramics from home. The material must be ceramic or porcelain. No glass or wood. A damaged family heirloom or items that are broken into numerous pieces would be challenging to attempt for the first time. Instead, bring something easier.

Items must be glazed, cracks must be within 4 pieces and chips must be within 1/2 inches. Items' original size must be within 8 inches. The larger, the more difficult.

Bring a cardboard box or something similar that will allow you to carry your items home without touching the repaired parts.

This class will be taught by Emi Joyce, formerly a full-time bench jeweler and apparel designer, is currently a kintsugi restorer and instructor, repairing hundreds of broken ceramics and regularly teaching kintsugi in Portland, Oregon. You can learn more about her kintsugi work via Instagram, @modernkintsugirepairpdx