My Kintsugi journey

misatotakahashi
1 day ago
3 min read

It’s been a long time since my last post, but I finally felt ready to share a small part of my journey through the world of Kintsugi — how it began, what I learned, and the experiences that shaped my path along the way.

A decorative plate repaired with polished gold, featuring red and blue patterns with floral designs, sits on a gray background. — A small dish I restored, showcasing the art of Kintsugi with its intricate gold seams, highlights the beauty in imperfection.

Kintsugi has gained worldwide recognition for its unique beauty and profound meaning: the transformation of broken ceramics into works of art through golden repairs. Rooted in the culture of Chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, Kintsugi embraces imperfection and gives new life to what has been broken.

The origins of Kintsugi are often traced back to 15th-century Japan. According to a well-known story, the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimasa encouraged Japanese craftsmen to seek a more harmonious and aesthetically meaningful method of restoration. This approach eventually evolved into the technique we now know as Kintsugi, where cracks and fractures are not hidden, but carefully highlighted with lacquer and gold. They transformed cracks and fractures into part of the object’s history rather than something to conceal. Over time, Kintsugi became closely connected to the philosophy of wabi-sabi — the appreciation of imperfection, transience, and the beauty found in age and wear.

How My Journey Began

When I was studying jewellery making at Escola Massana in Barcelona, we had a Japanese lacquer class during my second year. (Yes, it felt quite funny that I was first introduced to a traditional Japanese craft in Barcelona by a Catalan professor!)

I was instantly drawn to the technique, and I have stayed connected to it ever since. Even though Kintsugi was not part of the course assignment, it felt natural for me to begin learning it on my own. At the time, it was already becoming widely known around the world, and I was deeply fascinated by both the process itself and, above all, the luminous beauty of the golden scars.

It took many twists and turns — learning Kintsugi was not easy for me. I began with tutorials on YouTube, websites, and books, but I soon realized how important it is to see and feel the texture of the lacquer and the other materials in person in order to truly understand the process. Everything depends on balance: not too much, not too little.

White ceramic pot with visible cracks repaired using gold, in kintsugi style. A glass bowl and dish are in the wooden background. — Practice piece at a workshop in Fukuoka, Japan.

Because lacquer is a natural material, humidity and temperature greatly affect its behaviour. Sometimes the curing process took far longer than expected, most likely because I had made a mistake in the mixing ratio or because the temperature was too low. Other times, the lacquer developed an unexpected texture after drying because I had applied the layer too thickly. Through these trial-and-error experiences, I slowly learned that Kintsugi requires not only technique, but also patience, sensitivity, and careful observation.

After spending a long time learning on my own, I visited a Kintsugi workshop in Fukuoka called Yatsuka. ( https://www.yacca.jp/ ) It became a place where I could finally ask all the questions and doubts I had gathered throughout my learning process, and the teachers generously shared their knowledge and advice about this intricate technique. (I appreciate your help so much!!)

Sharing the Kintsugi experience in the heart of Barcelona

It has been more than six years since I began exploring Kintsugi, and I feel that the learning process never truly ends. For me, it has become a practice that trains not only technique, but also body control, patience, and concentration. At times, it can feel like a grind — demanding both physically and mentally — yet that is also part of what makes the process so meaningful.

Meanwhile, I teach Kintsugi in Barcelona as well. It’s a genuine joy to share this deeply Japanese craft and connect with people in the heart of Catalonia, a place so far from its originI’m deeply pleased to see the joy on students’ faces as they leave the workshop, carrying their own Kintsugi pieces.