[Multi-Session Course] Practice Kintsugi Using High Quality Traditional Japanese Ceramics

A Traditional Kintsugi Experience at a Long-established Ceramics Shop

Established in 1923 as a lacquerware wholesaler called Shikki Tonya Mutoh Saburo Shoten, Utsuwa Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store — or simply "Mutoh" for short — is a wholesale dealer of high-quality lacquerware and glassware, with department stores as its main clientele.

On display is an array of beautiful lacquerware and glassware created by artisans

With the aim of spreading the beauty of Japanese traditions and food culture, Mutoh also organizes workshops for the general public to learn about traditional Japanese crafts such as kintsugi and maki-e (a decorative technique that creates eye-catching patterns out of gold or silver powder sprinkled onto lacquered surfaces).

In this experience, you'll learn traditional kintsugi, which involves using genuine lacquer (partially lacquer substitute) as an adhesive to repair broken ceramics, then decorating the lacquer-filled parts with fine gold powder through the maki-e technique. Few opportunities to use hon-urushi (genuine lacquer) exist nowadays, so this will surely be a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

Kintsugi enhances the charm of ceramics, giving them a brand-new look compared to before they became damaged

Day 1: Learning to Join Broken Pieces

On the first day, you’ll learn how to join the broken parts of your chosen ceramic piece. With a toothpick, apply adhesive to the cracked edges, then lightly press the ceramic and the broken portion together. At this point, it's crucial to spread the adhesive thinly and evenly so that the parts fit perfectly together — a process that requires careful concentration. (Note: An adhesive is used in this step.)

Check from various angles whether the parts fit perfectly before applying the lacquer substitute

Once the adhesive has dried, the next step is to fill in the gaps with putty. You'll have to work quickly, as the putty will harden after some time. With your fingers or a spatula, push the putty in neatly, making sure to fill in even the smallest of chips or cracks. After the putty hardens, file away any protruding parts and adjust the shape of the ceramic.

To fill in the gaps properly, slide your fingers along the surface of the ceramic while pressing the putty

Filling the Seams with Rust-Colored Lacquer

Another way that traditional kintsugi differs from modern kintsugi is that the materials used are all-natural, not synthetic. The process starts with creating the materials from scratch. For the next step, which is referred to as laying the foundation, you'll make a rust-colored lacquer from lacquer and polishing powder, which you'll use to trace the seams.
Note: Due to time constraints, this experience will omit the initial steps, but traditionally, both the adhesive used for the cracks and the putty for filling the gaps can be made with lacquer as their base. For this session, however, synthetic adhesive and putty will be used.

Each time you move the spatula around, the feeling of nearing completion intensifies

The adhesive used for the cracks and the putty for filling the gaps both use lacquer as their base, but they're mixed with different materials: wheat flour for the adhesive; a combination of wood flour, tonoko (powder made from dried clay), and other ingredients for the putty. As you knead the lacquer mixture with a spatula, it gradually changes until it becomes as hard as an earlobe.

Day 2 / Day 3: Shaping the Vessel and Breathing Life Into It

On Day 2, after the urushi has dried, the process begins with scraping away the excess lacquer to refine the surface. For the three-day course, an additional step of applying a black urushi layer (known as naka-nuri) is included. This layer enhances the strength of the piece and provides a more beautiful finish, making it a highly recommended step.

The filing process is for adjusting the shape of the ceramic after applying lacquer

In kintsugi, the lacquered repair lines are known as “scenery.” Now it’s time to draw that scenery onto your piece. Using a brush, you’ll apply a red lacquer called bengara-urushi to the seams and filled areas. Don’t worry about making everything perfect—just focus and enjoy the moment. Shaky lines or variations in thickness can actually add character and beauty to the scenery.

Lastly, sprinkle gold powder over the lacquer lines. If you like the deep red tone of the bengara-urushi on its own, you can leave it as is—adding gold is completely optional. How you choose to finish the piece is entirely up to you, but if you're unsure, feel free to ask your instructor for guidance.

Reaching completion, many processes later — the more effort you put into creating something, the more attached you become to it

After your vessel is complete, your instructor will give you an explainer on the history, techniques, and uniquely Japanese spirit of kintsugi. If you wish, your instructor can also guide you around the shop as you browse through its impressive and finely curated selection of ceramics from all over Japan.

Rethinking Your Relationship with Everyday Objects through Kintsugi

In this plan, you will get to use fine Japanese ceramics—such as Arita-yaki, Kyo Kiyomizu-yaki, or Kutani-yaki—personally selected by the artisan for the day. These types of ceramics are all of very high quality and will make for excellent tableware. However, please note they cannot be heated over an open flame or in a microwave oven. They should not be placed in a dishwasher, either.

The way a piece is finished can dramatically change its impression

Kintsugi is a practice that is rooted in sustainability, as it's all about fixing broken things so that they can be used and appreciated for a much longer time. Visit Utsuwa Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store to get acquainted with the essence of kintsugi!