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The Dr. Robert Arruda Memorial Lecture Series |
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Kintsugi History, Technique and Culture with Quantum Wei
POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2025 Fee: $5 Members/ $10 Non-Members Learn about Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese tradition of pottery repair. Broken pieces are re-assembled with a lacquer-based adhesive and cracks are covered in a metal powder which is then hardened and polished. In this way, the damaged object's history is highlighted rather than hidden. Wabi sabi, embodied.
Traditionally, kintsugi is practiced using urushi lacquer. This natural material is refined from the sap of lacquer trees found in Japan and China and has been used by craftspeople for several thousands of years. Once cured, the urushi becomes glossy, durable, and food-safe. For ages, beautiful lacquerware has been used for fine dining ware. Lacquer-based kintsugi is a time-intensive and hazardous process. After the initial repair step, pieces must sit in the muro - a warm and humid box - for over a week to fully cure. There are numerous subsequent steps, many of which require overnight cures. Urushi contains the same compounds as poison ivy, so allergic reactions are nearly unavoidable unless you are lucky enough to be immune. A more approachable form of kintsugi uses quick-setting epoxy for repairs and liquid-metal leaf as a finish. Using these modern materials, pieces can be finished in a day. To register for this event, please contact [email protected]. |
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About the Artist: In 2021, Quantum Wei dropped and broke an antique Apollo landing plate which he had bought to give a friend of his. Rather than throw it away, he wanted to repair the plate and so learned kintsugi using epoxy via the internet. After that first repair, he became curious about lacquer-based repairs and dove in after obtaining some urushi from Japan, where he traveled extensively. In 2023, he started teaching kintsugi classes. The artist continues to refine his practice. During his latest trip to Japan, he took a workshop in Nara with kintsugi master David Pike. For more, visit www.kintsugi.boston
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