The Kintsugi Journal

All about red and black urushi Dec 01, 2023

Kintsugi may be known for its gold finish, however, gold is only the decorative final touch in the repair process. The functional repair work in kintsugi is owed to urushi tree sap. 

In...

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Our “Autumn in Kyoto” itinerary Nov 22, 2023

The autumn season in Japan has an ancient and textured history celebrating nature, the arts, and community.  From local to city-wide festivals known as matsuri, to tsukimi, or...

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How to kintsugi: the 3 phases of repair May 15, 2023

Kintsugi technique is intended and best suited for the restoration of ceramic and porcelain tableware. Other materials and types of wares are possible to repair, but it all started with...

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Tips to achieve the sleekest gold finish Apr 18, 2023

It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that gold is synonymous with kintsugi. At least in the perception of most. After all, the repair technique is called kintsugi. Kin = gold, tsugi = joinery....

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Which in-studio kintsugi class suits me best? Apr 11, 2023

Sometimes there is nothing better than in-real-life learning. If you have the opportunity to visit Kyoto, we offer several in-studio kintsugi class options. However, particularly for...

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Our “Spring in Kyoto” itinerary Mar 20, 2023

The 21st of March is Shunbun no Hi, or Spring Equinox Day, in Japan. Day and night are the same length due to the sun rising exactly in the east and setting exactly in the west. In Japan, this day...

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Am I allergic to urushi? Mar 14, 2023

Urushi, the sap of the urushi tree, is the base material of authentic kintsugi-repair using all natural ingredients. It is what makes this tableware restoration technique antipest, antiviral,...

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The Kintsugi Dictionary Part 3: wabi sabi Mar 08, 2023

With every decade, wabi sabi has become increasingly more commonplace, while simultaneously increasingly more confusing, as people here and there and everywhere attempt to verbalize the phrase....

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All about Hinamatsuri Feb 25, 2023

The 3rd of March is Hinamatsuri Girl’s Day in Japan, expressing gratitude for the good health and happiness of girls everywhere. Leading up to this day, we display small ornamental dolls...

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The Kintsugi Dictionary Part 2: hashiri, shun, nagori Feb 19, 2023

This edition of The Kintsugi Dictionary is quite the deal. It's three-in-one, as there are three sub-categories of "seasonal" to more precisely describe the evolution of flora, fauna, and the...

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