How to repair broken pottery using the art of kintsugi

Dropped your favourite mug or bowl? You don't have to throw the whole thing out.

Using the Japanese art of kintsugi, you can upcycle broken pottery — producing a one-of-a-kind item that's even more beautiful than the original.

Kintsugi — which means 'golden joinery' or 'golden repair' — is a centuries-old method of fixing broken ceramics using lacquer and gold, says Yoko Nakazawa, a miso and koji maker based in Melbourne.

In its traditional form the technique takes more than a month — but the modern version taught by Yoko takes less than 30 minutes.

Yoko explains how to create your own beautiful kintsugi piece. 

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Apart from your broken pottery, you'll need five key items:

• Sandpaper: For sanding sharp edges of your broken object.
• Glue: Slow-drying glue will give you more time to work. If you're planning to eat or drink from the item, make sure it's food safe. If you're using it for decorative purposes only, you can use clear epoxy resin or another type of ceramics adhesive; ask at your local art supplies store.
• Gold powder: You can buy gold mica powder from an art supplies store.
• Icy pole sticks: You'll use these to apply the glue.
• A thin disposable paint brush (or two): To apply the gold powder.

Step 2: Sand

Lightly sand any sharp edges on your broken pottery item using the sandpaper.

Step 3: Glue

Using the icy pole stick, apply glue to the broken edges of your ceramic item. Then push the pottery pieces back together.

You'll notice some excess glue seeping from the cracks. Let it be; that glue will come in handy in the next step.

Step 4: Apply the gold powder

Sprinkle or dab the gold powder onto the cracks in the pottery — it will stick to the excess glue that's seeped out of the cracks.

You'll have to work fairly fast when applying the powder, although using slow-drying glue will buy you a little more time.

The good news is it doesn't matter if the gold ends up looking a bit uneven: Kintsugi is all about embracing the flawed or imperfect. 

"If it goes wrong, that can add character," says Yoko.

Step 5: Wait, then wash

Allow around 30 minutes for the glue to dry before washing the item to remove excess gold.

Step 6: Admire your handiwork

Once you've washed your item, Yoko says, "That's it, you can enjoy!"

You can use your unique kintsugi piece to hold jewellery or other accessories; as a planter; or (if you've used a food-safe grade of glue) in the kitchen.