kintsugi – precious mending

I’m really looking forward to the Kintsugi lecture at the Ashmolean on the 24th Jan – I think places are still available.

I’ve been mending work using resin (araldite, in my case) and gold leaf for a while. It’s only since learning the name – kintsugi – that I’ve found some great online resources. (This site has changed its address recently, search by kintsugi-better-than-new if it doesn’t work!)

If you prefer, there’s also video information. This is too slow for me so I haven’t looked at it yet!

I’m not to hung up on authenticity of materials, I like the idea of using new tech so long as it works and looks good. I usually mend the pot first, using techiques from Nigel Williams’ Restoration handbook.
I then apply a bead of rapid-dry araldite along the crack. The knack is to to apply it when it’s partly cured, so that it doesn’t spread too far. Let the glue set for 24 hours, then apply size and metal foil – I use 23 carat gold or platinum rather than silver which tarnishes.

This plate, glazed with a volcanic glaze, was cracked but not broken, so I filled the cracks with milliput, then gilded over.

Old Japanese kintsugi is highly prized, and some is sold today – there’s a great example by Serkis. I’ve had mixed feedback from non-specialists, some hate the idea of a broken pot. But there’s a real difference between mending a break and gilding: one celebrates reclamation, repair; the other feels a bit like bling.

Last chance to see: Kellie Miller’s pop-up shop in Brighton closes on the 19th Jan 2014, in case you want to see my work there! The whole shop looks great!