Why not book a class in Johannesburg and learn to do your own ceramic repairs?
By Alan Samons
Kintsugi – the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and precious metals – began centuries ago. Traditionally, artisans used urushi (natural lacquer) and powders of gold, silver or platinum to highlight the cracks rather than hide them. Museums and cultural histories trace this practice back to the Muromachi period, where it became deeply connected to the tea ceremony and the idea that beauty grows through use and time.
It all started with a shogun’s broken tea bowl and a quest to find a beautiful way to repair these treasured objects.
Today, kintsugi still carries that beautiful message, but it has also blossomed into something far more accessible, creative and personal.
Kintsugi, updated for modern makers
While traditional urushi is stunning, it requires specialist training and can cause allergic reactions in some people. For modern classes and hobbyists, safer and easier materials make the magic of kintsugi available to everyone. Many contemporary artists now use:
- Non-toxic, lead-free glazes
- Resins or modern adhesives designed for ceramics
- Bronze or mica powders that create a golden shine at a fraction of the cost
Craft guides and suppliers highlight how these materials create the same shimmering effect while being quicker to use and easier for beginners. With proper care – gloves, ventilation, and gentle handling of metallic powders – they’re safe and wonderfully satisfying to work with.
More than repair: why people love kintsugi today
In recent years, kintsugi has captured people’s imagination far beyond the world of ceramics. Mental-health writers, therapists and wellbeing practitioners have embraced it as a symbol of resilience: the idea that our “cracks” can become part of our beauty, not something to hide.
Workshops often blend gentle, hands-on creativity with space to reflect, making it a soothing, grounding experience. Participants often say things like:
- “I felt calmer after focusing on the repair.”
- “This made me see my own challenges differently.”
- “It was surprisingly emotional in the best way.”
While kintsugi is not a clinical therapy, several wellbeing organisations use it as a meaningful metaphor – and people respond to it deeply.
Perfect for teams, friends, or a peaceful solo escape
Kintsugi classes have also become a favourite for teambuilding, creative get-togethers, and corporate wellness days. Because the process is simple, tactile and a little meditative, people relax quickly and enjoy working alongside one another. It encourages problem-solving, patience, creativity and shared delight when the golden seams appear.
Many companies choose kintsugi workshops to help their teams:
- bond over a creative challenge
- reflect on resilience and change
- take a break from screen-heavy work
- enjoy a rare moment of quiet focus
And for individuals, it’s simply joyful: breaking and repairing a piece creates a sense of transformation you can see and touch.
Why join a class?
A kintsugi class offers something special:
a chance to slow down, work with your hands, learn a beautiful craft, and leave with a piece that is wholly unique. No two repaired pieces ever look the same. Each one becomes a little story of patience and care – a reminder that nothing is “too broken” to be made beautiful again.
Whether you’re drawn to its artistic roots, interested in its philosophy, or simply curious to try something new, modern kintsugi is welcoming, creative and incredibly rewarding. And with beginner-friendly materials, friendly guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere, anyone can learn.
Want to learn this craft? Book a workshop with me at 082 900 3607. Regular workshops are held in Johannesburg.
