Lakeside Pottery Kintsugi Studio

We’ve significantly updated our Kintsugi Repair and Restoration Questions & Answers page, based on nearly two decades of hands-on work and the most common questions we receive.

It goes beyond basic tutorials, covering how to get started, materials, finding studios, multi-break sequencing, alignment, lacquer control, gold vs gold-effect, surface continuity, and common mistakes.

The goal was to turn real-world questions into a clear, practical reference.

https://lakesidepottery.com/Pages/Pottery-tips/kintsugi-repair-questions-and-answers.htm

Kintsugi Repair Questions and Answers | Lakeside Pottery Studio Answers to common Kintsugi questions, including meaning, process, history, materials, food safety, cost, and professional repair options.

Multicolor custom ceramic tall vase restored with 23.5K gold Kintsugi.

Large black vortex ceramic bowl restored with 23.5K gold Kintsugi, incorporating the Japanese “Rebirth” (再生) symbol to embody renewal and transformation.

Before and after of an 11" tall glass Tiffany Studios Blue Favrile vase, American, circa 1920s. This iridescent piece arrived shattered into many fragments, and through a Kintsugi repair, it was a privilege to bring it back to life rather than see it discarded.

Red ceramic bowl restored with 23.5K gold Kintsugi. The Japanese ‘Rebirth’ characters symbolize renewal and transformation.

Cobalt blue crystalline vase Kintsugi repaired using synthetic mending epoxy and filler, following the same steps as the traditional Kintsugi process, with 23.5-carat gold powder applied over lacquer. The customer chose this approach to substantially reduce costs and meet a tight schedule.

I'm pleased to share that one of my Kintsugi vessels appears on the cover of the May 2025 News Bulletin of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP). This wheel-thrown piece, repaired with 23k gold, was originally created as a presidential gift to the Prime Minister of Japan (2024). The IAAP chose it for its symbolic connection to themes in Jungian psychology, healing, integration, and the value of imperfection.

The bulletin can be viewed here: https://mailchi.mp/iaap/iaap-news-bulletin-no-40-may-2025

See how the vase was done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5xWHPeTnFQ

Honoring Resilience Through Kintsugi Art – Award for Patrick J. Kennedy

I was grateful for the opportunity to create a Kintsugi vase, repaired with 23.5K gold, to be presented to former U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy. The award was part of a global event hosted by the STAR Network Foundation, which honors trauma survivors and advocates for mental health recovery.

Patrick Kennedy has made a lasting impact on mental health care through his advocacy. As the lead sponsor of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, he worked to ensure that mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. His dedication continues to inspire and support many on their path to healing.

Stoneware Kintsugi bowl with a colored lacquer patch

For some reason, red vessels have been the stars of our Kintsugi studio lately. Here are a few that made their way to our workbench.