Advancing to the Final Stage of Kintsugi

Kintsugi Workshop – Session 3: Sealing the fracture

This special session is designed for those who have participated in Haraiso’s Kintsugi Workshops and are ready to move into the final stage of the repair process.

Building on the work from previous sessions, this class focuses on applying red and black Urushi lacquer to create a strong, refined base for the final stage, the later application of gold or silver. The process emphasises preparing the surface, highlighting the repaired lines, and bringing out the unique character of each piece.

Under the guidance of Zurich-based ceramic artist Marcel Krummenacher of Studio Sediment, you will work with traditional materials to refine and advance your repair. Marcel trained extensively in Kyoto, Japan, and has mastered not only the techniques but also the philosophy of Kintsugi. His guidance will support you in bringing your piece closer to completion, while experiencing the quiet mindfulness of this traditional craft.

This 3-hour hands-on session invites participants to carefully approach the finishing stage - where cracks are transformed into luminous traces of time and resilience.

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Date: Friday 5.12.2025

Time: 18:00 - 21:00 

Location: Haraiso, Zentralstrasse 24, 8003 Zürich

Fee: CHF 170 (all tools, materials, tea, and seasonal sweets included)

Workshop Content:

• Apply red and black urushi lacquer to build a strong, refined base for the finishing stage.
• Prepare the surface and highlight repaired lines to bring out each piece’s unique character.
• Deepen your understanding of the symbolic and aesthetic role of the finishing process in Kintsugi.
• Enjoy tea and seasonal sweets during the session.

What to Bring:

• The ceramic pieces you began and repaired in previous sessions
• Your personal Kintsugi kit (if purchased). All necessary tools and materials will also be provided on-site.

Instructor: Marcel - Studio Sediment

Zurich-based ceramic artist Marcel Krummenacher of Studio Sediment has trained extensively in Kyoto, Japan. Marcel has mastered not only the techniques but also the philosophy of Kintsugi. With his guidance, participants will refine their repair work, learn the next steps of the traditional process, and experience the quiet mindfulness that comes from working closely with their pieces.

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Important Notes:

• This session is open to those who have previously participated in Haraiso’s Kintsugi Workshops (Session 1 or 2) and wish to advance to the finishing stage.

• The main focus of this session is on applying red and black urushi to prepare the surface for the final stage. The gold or silver application is usually reserved for a later session, but if a piece is fully ready, participants may move on to this step under the instructor’s guidance.

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Cancellation Policy:

Due to limited seating and high demand, cancellations must be made at least 7 days in advance via email at info@haraiso.ch. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made within 7 days of the workshop date.

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Urushi (Japanese Lacquer) Safety Notice:

• Please note that urushi, in its raw and wet state, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Once fully cured and hardened, however, it is completely food-safe.
Urushi is one of the most durable natural materials, making it exceptionally well-suited for sustainable and long-lasting repair of ceramics, porcelain, and other wares.

• Participants are responsible for being mindful of their surroundings and their own handling during the workshop. If accidental skin contact occurs, promptly massage the affected area with any plant-based oil to remove the urushi. Haraiso and its instructors will provide guidance for safe handling during the workshop, but cannot be held liable for any adverse reactions caused by urushi.

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Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics using lacquer and gold powder. Rather than viewing cracks and chips as flaws, Kintsugi embraces them, transforming each imperfection into a unique mark of beauty and breathing new life into the object’s story.

Every fracture tells a tale. Through the act of repair, we go beyond restoration to discover a deeper sense of continuity and renewal.