Questions
& ANSWERS
This FAQ aims to answer all common questions asked. Questions are organized by theme:
- About On-Demand Restorations
- How to preserve the beauty of your Kintsugi restored ceramics
About Kintsugi art
What is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is an ancestral Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics by using lacquer and powdered with metal. Gold is traditionally used. The name "kintsugi" literally translates to "golden joinery". The technique highlights the cracks and breaks in the ceramic rather than concealing them, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection and making the repair an integral part of the item's new aesthetic
What is The origin of Kintsugi?
The precise origin of kintsugi is unknown. Kintsugi originated in Japan in the late 15th century, during the Muromachi period. It began when a Japanese shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, sent a broken tea bowl to China for repair, but upon receiving it back with unattractive metal staples, he sought a more aesthetic way of fixing it. Japanese craftsmen then developed the technique of using lacquer with gold to highlight the breaks, instead of hiding them.
What is The philosophy of Kintsugi?
The philosophy behind kintsugi is deeply rooted in the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty in imperfection, transience, and the world in its incompleteness. It teaches that there is beauty in things that are imperfect, and that all things, including people and objects, have a life cycle that includes growth, decay, and eventual transformation. In this way, both kintsugi and wabi-sabi encourage an acceptance of the ephemeral nature of existence, as well as a deep appreciation for the patina of time - whether that manifests in the crack of a cherished ceramic or in personal experiences of hardship and resilience.
What is urushi lacquer?
Urushi is a natural lacquer derived from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, commonly known as the lacquer tree or urushi tree, native to East Asia. It is harvested from trees without killing them, once trees have reached about 20 years old. It is refined through many steps to adjust its properties and enhance its qualities, such as thickness, gloss, colour and drying time. These refinements allow craftsmen to select specific types of urushi for each stage of a kintsugi restoration project (or other arts such as Maki-e), from bonding layers to final glossy finishes.
Is Kintsugi food safe?
Yes The hardened urushi is absolutely non-toxic and completely food safe. I only use food safe metals, except for some decorative objects only. It is always specified in the product details in my boutique.
What are the steps of Kintsugi restoration?
It will obviously depend on the initial state of the piece. Whether the object is completely broken or cracked, if there are missing pieces, or only chips, the initial steps will vary. - Prepare: the very first step consists into cleaning the object and preparing it for restoration. - Assemble: all broken pieces are assembled together, any missing piece is reconstructed, chips are filled and cracks cured with lacquer and lacquer mixes. - Shape: this work aims at magnifying the piece by defining beautiful lines and creating a soft and even surface for a superb finish. This is the stage where your object gets back to its initial shape visually. - Finalize: once surface is really smooth, the final layer of lacquer is applied and covered by gold powder (or other powdered metal). Depending on the nature and grade of the metal used, polishing will be made for a high gloss finish.
Is gold only metal used in Kintsugi?
No. Other powdered metals and powdered metals mixes can be used. Silver, aluminum, platinum or brass for instance are commonly used.
About Kintsugi On-Demand Restorations
How does Kintsugi On-Demand work? Step by step
- Submit a repair request: fill out the Kintsugi On-Demand request form with a brief description of your project. I will get back to you with questions if any. - Receive a quotation: be sure to add contact.kintsugiya@gmail.com to your safe sender list to ensure you receive my emails. - Accept the quotation: a 50% down payment is required to start the work. - Ship the damaged item: shipping details will be provided in the confirmation email. - Repair & completion of work. - Pay the remaining balance: remaining 50% payment is due upon work completion. - Receive and enjoy: your beautifully restored piece will be returned, ready for its second life.
How is calculated the price for Kintsugi On-Demand restorations?
As a general guideline, the cost of restoration depends on the complexity (this includes the type and number of breaks, the extent of missing materials, and the nature of the item itself), and the finish (the choice of materials - such as gold, silver, brass - or lacquer only finish - red, black, white, etc). The Kintsugi restoration time depends on the extent of the damage and may take from 1 to several months. I'll inform you about the time estimate for the repair. You are not committed to any payment until you have accepted the quotation I will send you based on the details and pictures you have provided.
Can I specify the finish I want to have?
Yes, definitely We can discuss about the finish, and I can guide you through this decision if you need advice. You can choose metal or lacquer finish. Various metals and lacquer colors are available. - Examples or metals: Gold, Silver, Aluminum, Brass, Tin - Examples of lacquers: black, red, white (other colors do also exist)
How to preserve the beauty of your Kintsugi restored ceramic?
Pieces repaired with kintsugi are Work-Of-Art. While they are resistant by nature, they also require specific but simple care to preserve their beauty over time. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy your Kintsugi restored piece for many years.
What you should do
To clean your Kintsugi restored ceramic, just use a soft sponge with water (no vegetal nor abrasive sponge !). You can use soapy water if the surface is greasy. Rinse abundantly under running water to ensure all soap is gone and without scrubbing the surface: your fingers will be gentle enough. Dry gently with a soft cloth. This is as simple as that.
What you should avoid
- Any other product than water / soapy water to clean. Avoid full immersion in water, especially for a long time. - Shocks with cutleries - that will damage the repair. - Dishwasher: though hardened urushi is dishwasher safe on its own, I do not recommend it. - Detergents and heat will damage the lacquer and will definitely tarnish the metal. - Microwave: Kintsugi restorations use... metals. It is not safe to use a microwave. - Oven / fridge / steamer : sudden changes in temperature will alter lacquer and cause cracks over time.