Kintsugi

Kintsugi – give broken ceramics a new lease on life

A broken plate, favorite mug, or special vase doesn't have to be the end of its story. With Kintsugi, breaks become a visible part of the object. At SuperMatique, you'll find Kintsugi repair kits from Humade, with which you can restore broken ceramics, porcelain, and other cherished objects yourself.

Instead of making a repair as invisible as possible, Kintsugi accentuates the fault lines. The result is a unique object where its history remains visible.

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese repair technique where broken ceramics are restored, and the fault lines are highlighted with gold. The name comes from the Japanese words kin (gold) and tsugi (connection or repair).

Behind Kintsugi lies a special philosophy: damage doesn't have to be hidden. A repaired object gains extra meaning because you can see what happened to it. Not an attempt to return to perfection, but a new phase in the object's life.

Repair ceramics yourself with a Kintsugi kit

With a Kintsugi kit from Humade, you can apply this technique yourself. The repair kits are designed to restore broken objects in an accessible way and to deliberately make the fault lines visible.

For example, use a Kintsugi kit for:

• broken plates and bowls
• cups, mugs, and other tableware
• ceramic vases and flower pots
• decorative ceramic objects
• porcelain and other cherished items

Because every break is different, every repaired object is also unique.

Humade Kintsugi repair kits

The Dutch brand Humade translates the ancient Japanese Kintsugi technique into contemporary DIY repair kits. With these kits, you can get started at home, without any experience in ceramic restoration.

A Kintsugi repair is also a beautiful way to be more conscious about your belongings. Instead of throwing away a damaged object, you repair it and give it a new look and meaning. Especially for tableware, ceramics, or an object with a memory attached to it, this makes the repair extra special.

Kintsugi as a creative gift

A Kintsugi kit is also an original gift for someone who loves ceramics, Japanese design, handicrafts, and creative projects. You're not just giving a DIY kit, but also a different way of looking at damaged and used objects.

Don't have any broken ceramics lying around yourself yet? A thrift store is a good place to find a beautiful plate, bowl, or other ceramic object to try out the technique.

Frequently asked questions about Kintsugi

What does Kintsugi mean?

Kintsugi literally means approximately 'golden join' or 'golden repair'. It is a Japanese technique where fault lines are deliberately made visible after a repair instead of hidden.

What can you repair with a Kintsugi kit?

Kintsugi is mainly used for ceramics and porcelain, such as plates, bowls, cups, vases, and decorative objects. For other materials, always check what the specific Humade Kintsugi kit is suitable for.

Can I make Kintsugi myself?

Yes. Humade's Kintsugi repair kits are designed for you to try the technique at home yourself. You don't need any experience with professional ceramic restoration for this.

Is a Kintsugi repair food safe?

This depends on the specific repair kit and the material used. Therefore, always check Humade's instructions before using a repaired plate, cup, or bowl again for food or drink.

Is Kintsugi sustainable?

Kintsugi can help to extend the lifespan of ceramics and other beloved objects instead of throwing them away after damage. This way, the technique aligns well with repairing, reusing, and being more conscious about existing belongings.