The Art of Kintsugi: History and Techniques of the Japanese Art of Ceramic Repair
Tea bowl “Seppō” 雪峰 (Snowy Peak), by Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558-1637); The Ebara Hatakeyama Memorial Foundation collection.
Our inaugural "Deep Dives with Dōjin Arts" series kicked off with a full house and a dive into the art of kintsugi - the traditional Japanese craft of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and powdered precious metals.
Photo credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
The program began with an engaging visual slide lecture presented by Dōjin Arts Executive Director, Maiko Behr. Examining famous artworks from Song-dynasty China to the modern day, with a focus on Japanese works of the 16th to 19th centuries, Maiko led us on a visual journey tracing the evolution of the art of kintsugi through a variety of techniques and aesthetic perspectives. Each of her thoughtfully chosen examples offered their own rich narrative for context and deeper understanding of the art.
Photo credit: all photos by Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab except for second photo by Christina Cecconi
Following the slide lecture, Yuka Morino of Three Little Spruce employed the magic of prepared samples at various stages to demonstrate the techniques and tools used in contemporary kintsugi from start all the way through to completion! During the live demonstration we were introduced to different types of lacquer, mixing materials, tools, and practical techniques as she explained the technical intricacies of the traditional craft.
Photo credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
This program was the first of our "Deep Dives with Dōjin Arts," a series of engaging programs designed to offer participants context for a deeper understanding and appreciation of traditional Japanese arts. Each program in the series delves into the history, cultural significance, and techniques behind a particular Japanese art form, from ceramics and incense to tea traditions, flower arrangement, and beyond. Whether you are an art enthusiast, cultural scholar, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of Japanese art traditions, we hope that you will join us!
To learn more about upcoming programs and enjoy advance access to registration, be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Thank you to our supporting partner: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.