Kintsugi Repair Workshop with Urushi

Service Description

In this workshop, participants will learn traditional Japanese ceramic repair techniques using urushi (Japanese lacquer) and its application in the kintsugi repair method. The materials used in this workshop have been used for centuries in Japan for ceramic repairs. - Urushi as a material - origin, processing, properties - Introduction to the aids and tools used when working with urushi - Preparing the shards - Introduction to traditional adhesives and repairing shards with mugi urushi - Introduction to different fillers and repairing with sabi urushi - Mixing and applying intermediate and undercoat layers - Finishing with bronze powder The theoretical part deals with urushi (Japanese lacquer) in detail: from its origins and properties to its use as a material. Tools and aids for hardening (humidity chamber) are presented. The practical part begins with the preparation of the shards and the different adhesive mixtures, then the shards are prepared with rice glue and repaired with the “Mugi Urushi” adhesive mixture. After introducing different filling compounds for replacing missing parts, “Sabi Urushi” is mixed and applied. For the intermediate and undercoat layers, already lacquered broken areas are sanded down and the lacquer layers are applied. The workshop concludes with finishing with bronze powder, after the variants of finishing with gold, silver, and substitute materials have been explained. Prepared shards are used in the workshop. Participants are welcome to bring their own pieces for assessment, but I recommend working on the practice pieces first. Please bring long-sleeved work clothes. Aprons, gloves, and masks will be provided by me. Allergy: Skin contact with urushi can cause allergic reactions. The urushiole contained in the liquid lacquer is also found in poison ivy and can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. If you have a known severe allergy to the substances listed, participation is not recommended. Balsam turpentine substitute and propanol (alcohol) are used for cleaning in the workshop. If you have known allergies to the vapors produced, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not advisable to participate in the workshop.