Repairing my mug with Kintsugi (fellerts.no)

Article summary

The author's beloved coffee mug broke, and instead of discarding it, they decided to repair it using the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi. The process involved gluing the pieces together with mugi urushi, filling gaps with kokuso and sabi urushi, applying black lacquer, and finally adding gold dust. The author encountered several challenges and made mistakes along the way, but ultimately succeeded in repairing the mug. The author reflects on the value of preserving and celebrating the imperfections of an object's history.

Main themes

• Kintsugi art
• Ceramic repair
• Japanese tradition
• Food safety
• Epoxy vs Urushi
• Craftsmanship

What commenters say

• Some people question the food safety of using Urushi lacquer, which is made from the sap of the Urushi tree and contains urushiol, a potent skin irritant.
• Others argue that the polymerization of urushiol renders it hard and inert, making it safe for use in Kintsugi repairs.
• There is concern that modern epoxy alternatives may not be entirely safe for food-related use, and some prefer traditional Urushi lacquer for its unique properties and aesthetic value.
• The use of Urushi lacquer requires careful handling and precautions to avoid skin irritation and other health risks.
• Kintsugi is a difficult and frustrating skill to learn, requiring patience, meticulousness, and practice to master.
• Some commenters share their own experiences with Kintsugi, including successes and failures, and offer tips and advice for those interested in trying the technique.
• There is debate about the suitability of different materials, including epoxy and Urushi lacquer, for repairing broken ceramics and other objects.
• The aesthetic value of Kintsugi lies in its ability to preserve and celebrate the imperfections and history of an object, rather than trying to restore it to its original state.