Tea bowl “Seppō” 雪峰 (Snowy Peak), by Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558-1637); The Ebara Hatakeyama Memorial Foundation collection
The Art of Kintsugi: History and Techniques of the Japanese Art of Ceramic Repair
Date: Sunday October 6, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
Session Fee: $20
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Join Dōjin Arts for a Deep Dive into the art of Kintsugi - the traditional Japanese craft of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and powdered precious metals.
This live program is for anyone interested in learning about the history, aesthetics, and techniques of kintsugi. The lecture/demonstration format will provide both an enlightening introduction for those new to the art form and a richer context and background for those who may have already tried their hand at this popular method of ceramic repair.
Image credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
The program will begin with an engaging visual slide lecture presented by Maiko Behr examining the historical development of the Japanese tradition of ceramic repair. Examining famous artworks, from Song-dynasty China to the modern day, with a focus on Japanese works of the 16th to 19th centuries, the lecture will trace the evolution of the art of kintsugi through a variety of techniques and aesthetic perspectives.
Image credit: Yuka Morino
Following the slide lecture, Yuka Morino of Three Little Spruce will explain the various techniques and tools used in contemporary kintsugi craft, including different types of lacquer and mixing materials, tools, and practical techniques. She will bring examples of these materials and tools to show as she explains the technical intricacies of the traditional craft. Those who have participated in Yuka's hands-on workshops will find that a closer look at the traditional materials and tools that are used in kintsugi will offer an even deeper appreciation of the craft.
Note: This is not a hands-on workshop for learning to repair ceramics yourself using the kintsugi technique. Please see Yuka’s other workshops at Nikkei Centre for hands-on instruction in this art form.
This program is the first of our "Deep Dives with Dōjin Arts," a series of engaging programming 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 various Japanese art forms, 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!
About The Educators:
Maiko Behr has worked as a Japanese to English translator, curator, and consultant specializing in Japanese arts for over twenty years. She is the owner of SaBi Tea Arts, where she teaches chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) in the Omotesenke tradition and kōdō (Japanese incense ceremony) in the Senzan Goryū tradition. In the non-profit sector, Maiko has served locally on the board of directors of the Tomoe Arts Society for over ten years, and has worked and volunteered for various Japanese and Asian arts-related non-profit associations and museums in Canada and the US.
Yuka Morino, an artist who runs Three Little Spruce, grew up in Kyoto, Japan. Her grandmother played a big role in shaping her appreciation for ceramics by collecting pieces from various artists. When one of her grandmother's prized collections broke, Yuka discovered the art of Kintsugi and started mending broken pottery while studying architectural design at Kyoto University of the Arts. Yuka now lives on Quadra Island, B.C., and offers repair services for ceramics. In her jewelry designs, she applies ancient Japanese craftsmanship, using a combination of 金彩 (Kindami, a gold application technique) and 金継ぎ (Kintsugi, mending broken ceramics).
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.