Introduction to the Japanese art of kintsugi ceramics repair

Event details

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Events at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum - Learning Centre
Buy tickets for on Fri 9 Jan, Sat 10 Jan, Fri 13 Feb, Sat 14 Feb, Fri 27 Mar, Sat 28 Mar, Fri 24 Apr, Sat 25 Apr, Fri 22 May, Sat 23 May, Sat 20 Jun, Fri 17 Jul, Fri 27 Aug, Sat 26 Sep, Fri 23 Oct, Sat 21 Nov, Fri 18 Dec

Join Clara Bethell-Sacks to learn the Japanese art of kintsugi repair for broken ceramics. Spend a relaxed few hours with likeminded folk, mindfully immersed in the processes, tools and materials of kintsugi. You will be supported to complete a repair using epoxy, coated with traditional natural Japanese Urushi (tree sap) lacquer and finished to a stunning gold-hued shine with fine brass powder. 

You can even follow up the workshop by hunting for the three Urushi trees growing at Westonbirt. 

What to expect

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. All materials for the workshop, hot drinks, and access to Westonbirt Arboretum are included in the price.  

If you wish to bring a piece to work on, it needs to be small (under 20cm diameter), with a simple break, in just two or three pieces and one or two small chips, and an open shape such as a plate, dish or shallow bowl rather than something with a tighter opening such as a cup or jug. If you have a piece you’d like to break, bring it unbroken to the workshop. If you aren’t sure if your piece is suitable please do send Clara a picture and she’ll let you know. Otherwise, suitable pieces will be available for you to choose from on the day. Or consider attending multiple workshops at a reduced rate.  

About the materials

You will be working with epoxy glue, epoxy putty, urushi and brass powder.  Urushi is a natural lacquer made from the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree Toxicodendron vernicifluum and you will be using it as a finishing layer and adhesive for the brass. Brass is beautiful for decorative items but is not food-safe. For a finish that can be used in contact with food, you can simply leave off the brass - urushi lacquer works well as a final layer and is available in glossy red-brown or black (you can see examples on Clara's website or instagram). Urushi is completely food-safe when fully cured. However, in it’s uncured state it can be highly irritant to some people if it comes into contact with their skin, causing reactions similar to poison ivy. Please wear long sleeves and leg covering. Gloves are provided. 

Workshop dates and times

Friday 9 January, 1:00pm - 4:00pm 

Saturday 10 January, 10:00am - 1:00pm 

Friday 13 February, 1:00pm - 4:00pm 

Saturday 14 February 10:00am - 1:00pm 

Friday 27 March, 1:00pm - 4:00pm 

Saturday 28 March, 10:00am - 1:00pm 

Friday 24 April, 1:00pm - 4:00pm 

Saturday 25 April 10:00am - 1:00pm 

Friday 22 May 1:00pm - 4:00pm 

Saturday 23 May 10:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday 20 June, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

Friday 17 July, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

Friday 27 August, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

Saturday 26 September, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

Friday 23 October, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

Saturday 21 November, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm 

Friday 18 December, 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm