Modern Kintsugi Workshop with Emi Joyce

Portland Japanese Garden is partnering with Emi Joyce, a Portland-based kintsugi restorer and instructor, to provide two modern kintsugi workshops on November 9. Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is the Japanese craft of repairing ceramics. In this centuries-old practice, fractures transform from hidden weak points into beautiful golden elements worth celebrating. The philosophy of kintsugi teaches us to embrace imperfections in our life and appreciate the beauty of human flaws. While the traditional method used by experts is challenging and requires cautious handling of materials like urushi lacquer, the “modern” kintsugi method uses accessible materials and is ideal for beginners. The Garden is thrilled to offer this opportunity for its guests to get hands-on experience with this beloved artform as it simultaneously presents its final art exhibition of 2024, Kintsugi: The Restorative Art of Naoko Fukumaru.