Beauty in Imperfection Traditional Kintsugi

Catherine Lignier

Kintsugi On-line ZOOM class
Registration closes Oct 9.
Learning to repair broken ceramic with gold using authentic and traditional Japanese ways.

Kintsugi 1 Start October 9th (Mon.) 2023, 2 pm EST* - (class meets Mondays on Oct, 9th, 16th, 23rd and Tuesday 24th)

Kintsugi 2 Start October 14th (Sat.) 2023, 2 pm EST* - (class meets Saturdays on Oct, 14th, 21th, 28rd and Sunday 29th)

*(Eastern Standard Time)

This course is appropriate for all levels, and no previous experience is needed.

This course will give you complete instructions on how to repair a broken ceramic and give it new life.

The authentic Japanese practice of Kintsugi is an ancestral method that uses Urushi lacquer and pure gold powder. The training I received was passed down within one family of 3 generations of Urushi masters.

Urushi is food-safe, enabling you to use your ceramic piece again, integrating it back into your daily life with its exquisite repair.

The course will be conducted over Zoom, with direct access to me during each session.

Please choose one class that works best for your schedule.

“Kintsugi 1” runs at the beginning of the week and “Kintsugi 2” on the weekend.

Both classes are identical.

Each class includes four sessions.·Each session lasts 1 to 2 hours (depending on the day's content, student working speed, and time for questions).

In this course, you will learn the history of this technique and the basics.

·The history of Urushi (Japanese lacquer)
·The history of Kintsugi
·The process of repairing a chipped piece
·The process of repairing a broken piece

Note: In this class and during the four sessions, the students will only work on a small chipped ceramic piece. Because there is no gluing process in the course and the process is a little more complex than people may expect, we ask you to start with an easy piece to handle to ensure you learn the whole process correctly.

You can connect with me directly and get advice anytime, even after class and between sessions via email, and for the entire event.

If you still need support after completing this class, I will be available to assist you with the completion of your project.

Price: $555.00 (Includes $200 value Kit, - free shipping within the US - 4 sessions, and support) - SOG Members: $525.00

Log in to your membership at SOG website to receive discount code

Your Kintsugi starter kit comprises 20 items, including a humidity box, genuine gold powder, and all other materials and tools needed for the course.

To receive your kit, please email me your shipping address details at ligniercontact@gmail.com to calculate shipping costs (for International), and no later than September 22nd to ensure your Kit arrives on time. Note that it is impossible to start the class without the kit.

Requirements for the course: A glazed (shiny) ceramic piece with a small chip. (Please email a picture of the piece you'd like to work on to make sure it qualifies for this class.)

What to wear: Long-sleeved shirt.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Real Japanese lacquer (Urushi) and pure genuine gold powder will be used to teach the authentic kintsugi method. In some cases, a rash may occur if the lacquer directly touches your skin (hence the need to wear a long-sleeved shirt). For more information on this, please read below*.

Gloves and guidance will be provided to handle the lacquer properly.

Note that the Urushi lacquer can not be removed after it comes in contact with your clothes - even after you wash it.

*The reason why Urushi causes a rash:

Urushi (Japanese lacquer) comes from a plant related to poison ivy. In its liquid form, Urushi can cause an allergic reaction (rash) and dermatitis if it comes in direct contact with your skin. Thoroughly dried Urushi cannot cause a rash. The rash normally appears 24 hours after contact and clears up within 2 weeks. Symptoms include itching and blistering. The rash's duration and severity depend on a person's level of immunity. To prevent scarring, do not scratch the rash. Because Urushi is not commonly used in the United States, using creams or medicines is not recommended to treat an Urushi rash as long as the rash area is controlled and does not significantly worsen. Using drugs may cause further discomfort or exacerbate the rash. (ref: Gen Saratani).

General Disclaimers: We are not responsible for any Urushi rash, stained clothing, injury, or accident. We cannot take responsibility for the quality of your completed repair. The result depends on the level of your artistic skills and patience. No refunds will be issued except if lessons cannot be held.

Cancellation Policy - The Kintsugi kit is non-refundable.

Catherine Lignier, founder of Studio Mamaki, is an experienced gilder (22 years), an artist who works on Buddhist temples internationally, creates original art for private clients, and works on landmarks of public and religious importance in the US.

Please contact the teacher with any questions at ligniercontact@gmail.com


SESSION 1 - Oct 9 - 24

SESSION 2 - Oct 11 - 26