Workshop: Kintsugi for Beginners

With Mami Takahashi

$50 Material Fee

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese Urushi (lacquer)-based craft in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break, rather than erasing it. This serves to emphasize that the break is what makes the ceramics more valuable.

In this beginner’s workshop, participants will learn the basic and simplified version of Kintsugi process on a small porcelain plate to understand the fundamentals of this process. All materials including adhesives in the workshop will be food-safe. During the workshop, we will use an an artificial Urushi (the natural resin/glue collected from the lacquer tree) sap for this beginner’s class, which is safe to touch without allergy reactions.

“Kintsugi is based on the philosophy that breakage and repair are something to celebrate – embracing flaws and imperfections creates a stronger and more beautiful piece of art. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing what feels broken, we become more unique, beautiful, and resilient. Kintsugi can be a way to reframe personal challenges. Reminding us that we’re not victims of our circumstances. Showing us that we can come out on the other side stronger.” — Linda Muller, a certified life coach.

About Mami Takahashi

Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working in multiple cities including Chicago and Tokyo. She earned her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan.

With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives in many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.

This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal assistance listing number, 21.027 awarded to the International Museum of Surgical Science by the US Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the amount of $125,000.00, representing 83% of total project funding.

This project is partially supported by a Chicago Arts Recovery Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

The International Museum of SurgicalScience acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.