Kintsugi can be used for many purposes, and one of the main purposes is as has been mentioned until now: fixing up old ceramic and other pottery items. When they become broken and physically distorted, Kintsugi gives us the means and the tools to help fix them up and correct the problem at hand. Kintsugi, then, could be used to help add extra life and quality to an item that was already lost and broken.
What else, though, could this be used for? What other purposes does this unique and interesting form of repair offer us?
The Crack Method
Arguably the most commonly known form of Kintsugi is known as the “Crack Method”. This became a popular form of Kintsugi many years ago, and for a long time it managed to stand out as a form of artistic influence.
The use of the gold dust and resin mixed together will help to make sure that broken pieces can be pitched back together. The main aim of this form of Kintsugi is to avoid needless overlap, and to help ensure that any missing pieces can be accounted for, with the missing gaps and spaces filled in using the lacquer.
The Piece Method
The next most common form of Kintsugi that you have likely heard of is known as the “Piece Method”. To many, this has become the most common choice of Kintsugi when they are dealing with something that might need a very particular kind of finish.
The Piece Method is commonly suggested because a ceramic fragment may no longer be available for you. That is why entire sections may be filled in using entirely the compound material. This helps to fill in the gaps, meaning that an item can retain its original shape and structure without a missing piece.
The Joint Call
The other most common form of the Kintsugi method that is used a lot is known as the “Joint Call”. Most of the time, this would be used when there is a similarly shaped but non-matching piece of the item is found. This is then fitted in despite not being the correct shape and structure for what is missing.
The reason why many do this is that, by enveloping it using the gold, you create a kind of patchwork style. That immediately becomes accessible and is one of the many reasons why a lot of people love the Joint Call.
One thing to note about the power of Kintsugi, then, was its ability to spread the joy of being able to keep what we wanted. That is why many forms of Kintsugi-like features have come to life, with similar forms of repair used across Europe after it was discovered being used in Japan. Indeed, a form of staple repair was used – as mentioned in the History of Kintsugi section – that would gradually improve and adjust thanks to the work of Kintsugi enthusiasts.
Without doubt, though, the world of Kintsugi was made richer by the fact that it can be used in so many ways. Whether it’s to patch up a heavily damaged item or to simply help piece it all back together, Kintsugi is hugely popular.
Why, though, might you wish to try it out? What are the benefits of learning how it is done?