Explore the Art of Kintsugi: Resurrecting Broken Pottery with Love

Reviving Broken Pottery: The Heartwarming Story of Kintsugi

In a world obsessed with the new, Joseph and Maiko Anderson-Story of JMCraftstore stand as a testament to the beauty of repair. Operating from their Baldwin City studio, this creative couple employs kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of mending ceramics, to restore broken pieces and breathe new life into cherished items.

What Is Kintsugi and Its Philosophical Roots?

Kintsugi, or "golden joinery," dates back to the late 15th century and embodies a profound philosophy. It emphasizes the idea that imperfections, like cracks and breaks, enhance the beauty of an object rather than detract from it. Instead of hiding flaws, kintsugi highlights them with lacquer infused with precious metals like gold and silver, transforming a broken vessel into a work of art.

The practice aligns closely with the Japanese philosophies of wabi-sabi, which embraces transience and imperfection, and mushin, or "no mind," which encourages living in the moment and accepting change. As Joseph explains, "Kintsugi isn’t just a technique; it’s about storytelling. Each line of gold weaves together the history of the object and the experiences that shaped it."

A Journey from Seattle to Baldwin City

The Anderson-Storys' adventure began in Seattle, where Maiko was introduced to kintsugi by a coworker. Their passion for the craft grew, especially during the pandemic, as more people looked for ways to beautify their homes amidst uncertainty. "People were reassessing what mattered. Many opted for repairs rather than replacements, and our business flourished," Maiko shares.

Eventually, family commitments brought them to Baldwin City, but their clientele still spans the West Coast. They express a deep belief in keeping traditions alive, relying on urushi lacquer, a natural tree sap, to reconstruct ceramics. This natural compound is not only adherent but also food-safe, unlike the epoxies that many contemporary crafters use.

The Kintsugi Process: Slow and Intentional

Each kintsugi repair at JMCraftstore takes considerable time and patience, often three months for larger pieces. The Anderson-Storys follow a meticulous process: they create a paste from urushi lacquer, flour, and water, applying it with a delicate hand. "Each layer requires specific temperature and humidity to cure correctly," Maiko explains, emphasizing the care they take in ensuring durability and aesthetic integrity.

Their approach contrasts sharply with modern interpretations of kintsugi, which often employ quick-drying resins and glues. Joseph and Maiko choose to stay true to the traditional methods, believing that quality should never be compromised. “We won’t make a piece unusable to repair it; we cherish the integrity of what we work with,” Joseph adds.

The Growing Popularity of Kintsugi

As interest in kintsugi continues to rise, the couple is considering workshops to share their knowledge. However, condensing the complex, months-long process into a short session presents a challenge. The appeal of kintsugi lies not just in repairing pottery but in embracing a profound philosophy that resonates with many today: imperfections contribute to beauty, and every crack tells a story.

“As we become more aware of our consumer habits, kintsugi offers a beautiful alternative,” Maiko suggests. "It helps people rethink the value of what they possess and encourages a sustainable mindset—repairing instead of discarding."

Connecting with the Community through Craft

For local residents and businesses in Kansas City, supporting artisans like the Anderson-Storys enriches the fabric of the community. Emphasizing local craftsmanship and sustainable practices creates opportunities for connection and collaboration. Whether you are looking to repair a treasured item or simply seeking inspiration, the story of JMCraftstore is a reminder of the value of tradition and the art of restoration.

Additionally, as we explore the culinary landscape of Kansas City, don’t forget to check out family-friendly restaurants and amazing BBQ spots (like the best BBQ in Kansas City!), where the sense of community flourishes around love for good food and gather.

Join the Conversation!

Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com. Sharing narratives like that of the Anderson-Storys is what strengthens our Kansas City community and highlights the beauty found in every story.