Kintsugi Pottery - The Japanese Art of Golden Joinery

Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art form of mending broken pottery with gold or metallic seams, celebrates the beauty of imperfections and new beginnings. The process is relatively simple, and the resulting piece is visually stunning and showcases the object's history and resilience. Since many creatives in our Community want to learn more about such a rewarding technique and its symbolism, this article will explore the world of Kintsugi and provide a comprehensive guide on creating your little masterpiece using Meyspring Royal Gold Mica Powder and epoxy resin to glue the pieces together. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or have just heard about this ancient philosophy, this guide will introduce you to the art of kintsugi so you can restore your pottery with elegance and charm.

What is Kintsugi Art?

The exact roots of Kintsugi remain unclear, but it gained popularity in Japan during the late 16th century, particularly in tea ceremonies. While lacquer had been utilized for ceramic repairs in Asia since ancient times, apparently only a few centuries ago, it was adorned with gold powder in Japan, resulting in what we know as Kintsugi Pottery today.

What does Kintsugi mean?

The Japanese word "Kintsugi" means "golden joinery," highlighting the cracks of beloved broken pottery with precious metals like gold, resulting in restored pieces of unparalleled convoluted beauty instead of the traditional repair techniques that tried to hide the joints or make them invisible.

What does Kintsugi symbolize?

This practice also carries a profound symbolic significance beyond craftsmanship, the powerful analogy for self-repair and personal growth. Just as kintsugi transforms shattered pottery into something even more beautiful, we can apply the same principles to our own lives and experiences. 

In our journey through life, we often encounter challenges, setbacks, and incidents that leave us feeling broken. These can be emotional wounds, failures, or traumas that shape our perception of ourselves. Kintsugi teaches us that these cracks and imperfections do not diminish our worth. Instead, they become part of our unique story, highlighting our resilience and strength.

How to do Kintsugi at home?

To correctly assemble all the pieces in a "Kintsugi Puzzle," two essential materials are needed: strong glue and gold pigment powder. Traditional Japanese artists use lacquer to glue the pieces together, but it is a multi-step time-consuming process. Nowadays, an epoxy resin syringe or any other strong transparent glue is a more straightforward and malleable alternative medium. And Meyspring Royal Gold Mica Powder is the preferred substitute for genuine gold powder, adding that sought-after golden touch of elegance to the repaired pottery.

Take a moment to watch @saramcinerneyhauck story of perseverance and creating something beautiful from something broken; we hope she inspires you, too!

Now that you know all you need, let's get started!

Gather the following materials:

• MEYSPRING Royal Gold Mica Powder
• Epoxy Resin Syringe
• Broken pottery of your choice
• Mixing tools (e.g., wooden sticks)
• Sandpaper
• Disposable gloves 

Preparing the Pottery: 

Begin by cleaning the broken pottery pieces gently. Remove any dust or debris that may hinder the adhesion process. Carefully arrange the fragments, considering the aesthetic balance and how the cracks will be highlighted with the Meyspring Royal Gold Mica Powder.

Making the Golden Glue: 

Follow the instructions provided with your epoxy resin. Typically, you'll need to mix equal parts of resin and hardener. Stir the mixture thoroughly using a wooden stick until it becomes homogenous. Add your Meyspring Royal Gold Mica Powder in a ratio of 1:1 (1 part Epoxy Resin and 1 part Mica Powder). 

Putting the pieces together:

Apply a small amount of golden epoxy resin to the broken edges, carefully combining the pottery pieces. Hold them in place until the adhesive sets. Allow ample time for the epoxy resin to cure.

Finishing Touches and Preservation: 

After the mica powder application, allow the pottery to dry completely. If desired, you can further enhance the durability and aesthetics by applying a protective sealant. This will ensure your kintsugi artwork remains intact and retains its captivating beauty for years to come.

Final thoughts

Repairing pottery with gold in kintsugi symbolizes embracing our scars and transforming them into sources of beauty. It is about recognizing that our imperfections are not flaws to be hidden but rather elements that add depth and character to our journeys. Kintsugi art allows you to embrace imperfections while transforming broken pottery into stunning artwork. 

With Meyspring Royal Gold Mica Powder and epoxy resin, you can quickly practice this ancient technique and create your kintsugi masterpieces. Remember, the beauty of kintsugi lies in the process and the story it tells. So, gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and embark on a journey of artistic expression and restoration that transcends mere repairs. You can also experiment with different metallic hues. Check all MEYSPRING Metallic shades available here.

To learn more creative practices combining Epoxy Resin and Mica Powders, check out our blog for lots of inspiration and techniques.