NAGAHAMA, Shiga -- A U.S. woman who teaches "kintsugi" -- the Japanese technique of fixing broken pottery using lacquer and embellishing it with gold powder -- has come to Japan to refine her abilities with an experienced artisan.
Kira Smith, 31, who teaches a kintsugi class in London, is currently receiving training at Soweido, a Buddhist altar restoration workshop located in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. From September 22 to October 4, she is serving as an apprentice under Nobuyasu Suginaka, 61, a master artisan with four decades of expertise, to acquire more sophisticated methods.
Kintsugi's global appeal
In Japan, kintsugi is frequently linked to the concept of "wabi-sabi," which appreciates the charm of simplicity and flaws. Outside the country, it is also viewed as a representation of endurance—the belief that damaged items can grow stronger through repair. The Japanese term "kintsugi" has even achieved global acknowledgment.
Smith, who views the philosophy of kintsugi as therapeutic, learned the art through online tutorials and literature. A few years back, she initiated her own workshops, which take place roughly once a week. Smith mentions that this practice also aided her in overcoming personal hardship. However, as her understanding of the craft grew, she started to recognize the boundaries of self-taught learning and felt a strong urge to gain knowledge directly from Japanese craftsmen.
Her journey was made possible through a scholarship provided by Arts Council England. After regularly visiting the website of The Kintsugi Labo Japan, a company that focuses on exporting kintsugi art internationally, Smith reached out to its founders, Ken Isono, 42, and his wife Michie, 47, who reside in Ritto, Shiga Prefecture. With their assistance, she was connected with Suginaka, who is also affiliated with the brand, and managed to obtain her apprenticeship. The couple hopes that the American will come to appreciate the beauty of "urushi" lacquer craftsmanship through kintsugi and are helping Smith by acting as interpreters.
Maintaining and spreading a heritage
The Isonos brand acquires damaged Kiyomizu pottery primarily from Kyoto distributors, which Suginaka repairs using kintsugi techniques before exporting them. Since its inception in September 2021, it has delivered more than 150 items to 15 different nations. Suginaka and Isonos have also organized workshops in London and hosted students from the University of Barcelona in 2023.
Suginaka's process starts with crafting tools—shaping delicate spatulas from cypress wood to spread lacquer. Smith had struggled with similar efforts before, but found that observing Suginaka's demonstration gave her a better understanding of the method. She is also studying how to mend broken ceramics using lacquer.
"She is not entirely inexperienced, so she can handle things quite well. She is quite proficient," Suginaka stated, while highlighting his desire for her to "fully grasp the traditional techniques, including the proper use of tools and the application of lacquer." The program also includes the history and science of kintsugi, as well as the philosophy of wabi-sabi, enabling the apprentice to enhance their understanding of traditional Japanese culture. After finishing the course, Smith will be awarded a certificate in English.
As per Smith, kintsugi is well recognized in London, with fierce competition among different groups. She mentions that numerous participants utilize epoxy resin as an adhesive, yet she aims to introduce the conventional lacquer-based approach. Upon her return to London, Smith is keen to demonstrate that she has mastered the genuine techniques practiced in Japan.
(Japanese original by Takahiro Hasegawa, Nagahama Local Bureau)
Posting Komentar