Tuttle - A Beginner's Guide to Kintsugi

A Beginner's Guide to Kintsugi

Transform broken pottery into treasured art with kintsugi

Traditional kintsugi demands patience, precision, and materials that intimidate most beginners. Michihiro Hori strips away those barriers with accessible methods you can actually execute at home using supplies ordered online rather than specialty lacquer-work tools. The book walks through complete repair sequences, from mixing materials to reconstructing missing fragments, using safe, inexpensive alternatives to toxic urushi lacquer while maintaining the aesthetic principles that make kintsugi compelling.

Hori addresses practical challenges: reinforcing hairline cracks before they spread, rebuilding handles that need to bear weight again, working with metallic powders without specialized equipment. Step-by-step photography demonstrates staple techniques for severe breaks, proper application of gold leaf, and creative solutions using washi paper when traditional materials won't work. You learn to assess damage realistically and choose appropriate repair methods for pottery versus glass, functional pieces versus display objects.

The 96-page hardcover balances technical instruction with the wabi-sabi philosophy underlying kintsugi, the idea that visible repairs become part of an object's history rather than flaws to hide. As you work through repairs, mixing materials and carefully positioning fragments, the meditative process shifts how you perceive broken ceramics. This isn't just restoration; it's transformation that honors age and imperfection.

Books and Media

Books and Media Purchase Guide

Books and Media

Activity Books - Interactive art books and workbooks for learning techniques and developing skills.

Coloring Books - Adult and children's coloring books for relaxation and creative expression.

Craft and Hobby Books - Instructional books covering various crafting techniques and projects.

Drawing Books - Technique books and tutorials for improving drawing skills and learning new methods.

Painting Books - Comprehensive guides to painting techniques, color theory, and artistic development.

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