The Art of Repair: Kintsugi at wagumi

wagumi’s popular kintsugi workshops offer the chance to connect with the Japanese art of repair. Kintsugi practitioner Iku Nishikawa gives an introduction to how, with traditional techniques, broken ceramics can attain a beautiful afterlife.

The moment of breakage can be a moment of beginning. This is part of the spirit which guides the Japanese craft of kintsugi, a process which uses lacquer, sealants and metal powder in the repair of broken items. More than just an act of repair however, kintsugi creates a new narrative on the impermanence of things by highlighting the lines on which they break. Humans are within nature and cannot control it, but they can adapt and create beauty when the chance arises – something that kintsugi embodies.

Iku Nishikawa is a practitioner in kintsugi, versed in its principles and techniques. During London Craft Week 2019, Iku offers simple introductions to the craft at the Wagumi shop in Oxo Tower.  

Including some shortcuts, the workshops are intended as an entry to a deeper art. Work is done on small plates from the Kutani-ware tradition and incense holders, which participants can keep. Wagumi also offers kintsugi sets for sale, alongside its normal range of Japanese crafts.

Workshop fee includes materials, lecture, a Japanese small plate and incense holder to work on and take home.

Venue has disabled access.