ceramics and kintsugi

About Kintsugi repair service / workshop

*Kintsugi repair: I offer kintsugi repair services. Please note the entire process requires a few months at a minimum, and it takes longer for complex damages, as I use only authentic materials such as urushi, stone powder, and real gold (no epoxy, no putty) to achieve food-safe repairs.

The repair process is significantly slow or may make no progress during winter (September - April) due to the characteristics of urushi.

The repair fee is calculated based on the size/length of the damage, the complexities of the repair (how many pieces it's broken into, the shape of the object), and the texture of the pottery's surface (shiny glaze is the least expensive than other types of glazes, unglazed surface or one with on-glaze decorations). The minimum fee is £70 and it covers a clean crack (no need of filling) up to 20cm long or a small chip 2mm thick and 8mm in diameter for black/red/brown/white urushi finish. Urushi finish is the most inexpensive option and I recommend this for daily use tableware.

There is extra charge for gold, silver finish. Brass gold is the least expensive option but is not food safe. For food safe repair, I offer tin, silver, keshifun gold (22.4K - 23.4K), marufun gold(24K).

To get a quote please email me with photos of the item, that showcase the extent of damage, as well as the pot's texture and glaze. It would be best if the photos are taken in natural light from various angles including close-up shots, and please include the measurements of the item in the email. Please be aware that I can only provide an estimate since determining the precise cost without physically inspecting it is challenging.*

* Starting January 2024, I've discontinued offering assessments based solely on pictures. You can get a approximate costs by referencing pieces I've previously worked on. (Scroll down to see them.)

If you'd like a more accurate assessment, kindly send the pieces to my studio at Unit 74 Regent Studios, 8 Andrews Road, London E8 4QN. Please make sure that all pieces are securely wrapped and tightly packed to prevent any movement during transit.

*Kintsugi Workshop Online: I offer kintsugi lessons via Zoom in a series of live sessions. The next class will take place in January or February 2024. We'll cover simple repairs like hairline crack, small chip, and clean crack (that doesn’t need filling). To participate, please gather a few broken pottery pieces, turpentine (not ‘turpentine substitute’!), a tile with a glossy surface, a toothpick, cling film, a rag or tissue, and a wooden, plastic, or cardboard box big enough to hold all of your pieces.

*Kintsugi class in my studio, London: I offer in-person kintsugi workshops at my studio, TOKOBO. The workshop is held during the summer season only, typically from May to September, and are held in a series of 3/4 sessions. (I am unable to host workshops during the winter as the studio can get too cold for kintsugi.) If you're interested in joining my class, keep an eye on the future announcements on my Instagram and TOKOBO pottery .

*To join my pottery classes: please visit TOKOBO pottery .

This edited video shows the most simple repair of a hairline crack. The damage is so fine you don’t see it at the beginning.

From my own experience of practising kintsugi in the UK climate I am making slight modifications from the typical Japanese recipes. There is another version of this with instruction, click the video and go to my YouTube channel.

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Kintsugi kit for beginner

£38.00

Basic items for kintsugi:

30g natural urushi (MR suki urushi)

1 plastic spatula

1 scalpel

1 brush

2 sanding papers (1 x grade1200, 1 x grade2000)

5g tonoko

2g bengara powder (red iron oxide)

2g gold powder (material: brass)

1 pair of latex gloves

*Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to urushi, which can present as skin redness, swelling, and itching.

While the urushi in this kit is less likely to cause an allergic reaction compared to traditionally processed ones, it is still recommended to perform a patch test before use or wear gloves as a precautionary measure.

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