Kintsugi course

with Rita Roque

Traditional Kintsugi Course Structure with Kit

Course Title: Traditional Kintsugi: The Art of Restoring Ceramics with Gold

Total Duration: 4 Sessions (2 hours per session)

Target Audience: Those interested in ceramics, arts and Japanese philosophy, who wish to learn the traditional technique of kintsugi and its practical application.

Session 1: Kintsugi Fundamentals and Piece Preparation

Duration: 2 hours

Content:

Welcome and Introduction: Course presentation and expectations. Brief introduction to the history of kintsugi. Discussion of the philosophy of kintsugi, with emphasis on the concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates imperfection and transience.

Traditional Materials and Tools

Introduction to urushi lacquer, gold powder, fine brushes, spatulas, and other traditional materials. Explanation of the preparation of urushi lacquer and the safe handling of materials.

Kintsugi Kit: The kit that includes:

1 jar of urushi lacquer (5 ml) 1 jar of lacabengara (5 ml) 1 packet of gold powder (0.5 g), 1 fine application brush, 1 spatula, 1 diamond file, 1 fine-grain sandpaper, 1 jar of tonoko, 1 jar of sawdust, 1 pair of protective gloves.

Selection and Preparation of Parts:

Selection of the pieces to be restored (each participant can bring a personal piece - with a photograph for approval - or use one provided). Preparation of the edges. Preparation of the Mugi-Urushi and gluing of the piece.

Session 2: Joining Parts and Filling Gaps

Duration: 2 hours

Content:

Review of Initial Techniques:

Brief review of the processes covered in the first session. Filling Gaps: Demonstration of the traditional technique of filling gaps with Kokuso-Urushi and Sabi-Urushi, a mixture of urushi lacquer with clay or sawdust. Practical guidance for participants to fill any gaps in their pieces.

Drying:

Placing the pieces in a suitable drying environment, with humidity and temperature control.

Session 3: Leveling and Lacquer Application

Duration: 2 hours

Content:

Preparation for Leveling:

Review of the condition of the parts after drying. Demonstration of how to gently sand the repaired areas to obtain a uniform surface.

Application of Urushi Lacquer:

Apply a new thin layer of urushi lacquer to the joined and sanded areas.

Session 4: Finishing and Philosophy of Kintsugi

Duration: 2 hours

Content:

Application of Urushi Final Lacquer:

Application of a new thin layer of urushi lacquer. Preparation of the piece to receive the gold powder.

Application of Gold Powder:

Demonstration of how to apply gold powder to still-wet urushi lacquer. Practice by participants, with individualized guidance to achieve the best results.

Kit Kintsugi Fornecido:

1 jar of urushi lacquer (10 ml)1 packet of gold powder (0.5 g) and silver powder (0.5 g)1 fine application brush1 bamboo spatula1 fine-grain sandpaper1 microfiber cloth1 pair of protective gloves1 protective mask

Material Supplied (outside the kit):

Ceramic pieces for practice (or possibility to bring a personal piece). Additional equipment needed for sessions.

Final Result:

By the end of the course, participants will not only have the technical skills of traditional kintsugi, but also a deep understanding of the philosophy behind the practice, as well as a personal kit to continue practicing kintsugi at home. Each student will take home a restored piece and a new appreciation for the beauty in imperfections.