Modern Kintsugi

Instructor: Emi Joyce

Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is the Japanese craft of repairing ceramics. Fractures are no longer weak points, but beautiful elements. Mended breakages are celebrated with gold instead of being hidden. This philosophy is often taught as embracing imperfections in our life, the beauty of human flaws. While the traditional method is more challenging and requires precaution with the materials, the “modern” Kintsugi method uses accessible materials and is ideal for beginners. As the materials for the repair are not food safe, repaired items are displays.

Emi Joyce grew up in Tokyo, Japan and moved to Portland, OR in 2010. She is formerly a full-time bench jeweler and apparel designer, is currently a kintsugi restorer and instructor, repairing hundreds of broken ceramics at home and regularly teaching kintsugi at multiple locations. You can learn more about her kintsugi work via Instagram, @modernkintsugirepairpdx

• Experience requirement: None! All you’ll need are some clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty and a good attitude!

• What's included: All supplies will be provided including a broken ceramic bowl to practice.

• What to bring (optional): You are also welcome to bring a couple of damaged ceramics from home. The material must be clay, ceramic or porcelain. No glass or wood. A damaged family heirloom or items that are broken into numerous pieces would be challenging to attempt for the first time. Instead, bring something easier. Items must be glazed, cracks must be within 4 pieces and chips must be within 1/2 inches. Items' original size must be within 10 inches. The larger, the more difficult.

• What you'll be making: You'll be repairing a piece of ceramic using the kintsugi technique. As the materials for the repair are not food safe, repaired items are displays.

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Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know 7 days before your class/workshop begins. We are unable to offer refunds, transfers, or exchanges within 7 days of the start of a class/workshop for any reason. Any refunds issued are subject to a 5% processing fee.