Intro to Kintsugi (Japanese pottery repair)

Class Description

Kintsugi is the Japanese tradition of pottery repair. In this art, broken pieces are reassembled, and cracks are highlighted rather than hidden.

When joined with the traditional urushi lacquer, repairs can take weeks or even months as each curing step can require 2-7 days in the muro (a humid curing box).

In this class, we will use a quick-cure epoxy, allowing you to go home at the end of the day with a final piece. This is a nice way to get started since urushi lacquer is so time-intensive - and slightly hazardous!

The materials fee for this class is $20. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts Venmo, Cash or Checks.

NOTE: This is a BYOP (bring your own pottery) class. We suggest keeping it simple for your first class, broken up into seven parts or less. Instructor can provide pottery to students for an additional $10 materials fee ($30 total)

Learning Objectives

• Learn about traditional Kintsugi and how urushi lacquer and the muro curing boxes were used.
• Repair a piece of broken pottery using Epoxy and liquid gold leaf.

Instructor - Quantum Wei @kintsugi.boston

Quantum first started practicing Kintsugi in 2021 when he wanted to fix a broken souvenir plate (two pieces, epoxy + liquid gold leaf). Since then, he has ventured deeper into the art by working on more complex breaks and utilizing traditional materials (urushi lacquer), and constructing a muro (wooden curing box). During his latest trip to Japan, he took a workshop with kintsugi master David Pike. For more, visit kinstugi.boston.

Target Audience

All ages are welcome! All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

Your Ticket Includes

• Epoxy, liquid gold leaf, painter's tape, sandpaper, rubber bands, etc.
• Access to A2's Flex Space and tools for the duration of the session.

Class Policies

Attire: Attendants should wear close-toed slip-resistant shoes (steel-toe work boots are ideal), long pants, and no loose-fitting clothing that could possibly get caught in machinery. Make sure to wear only natural fibers (i.e., cotton, wool, linen, etc) and bring reading glasses if needed for detailed work.

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies Here.

Please email education@artisansasylum.com with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.