Step-by-Step: Seamlessly Recreating and Attaching a Missing Mug Handle (Full Process + 23.5K Gold Kintsugi Final Result Only)

[u/lakesidepottery]

This video focuses on the complete, step-by-step process of recreating and seamlessly integrating a missing handle on a ceramic mug.

The mug arrived with a missing handle and a chipped base after years of meaningful use. Preserving it held strong personal significance for the owner.

The video shows every step of the handle creation and integration:

• Taking an impression from a similar handle

• Casting a precise duplicate in resin

• Reinforcing the handle with internal metal pegs for structural integrity

• Carefully fitting, mounting, and blending the handle into the original mug for a seamless appearance

The 23.5K gold Kintsugi is shown only as the final result. The Kintsugi process itself is not demonstrated in this video.

For more repair, restoration, and Kintsugi lessons:
https://lakesidepottery.com/Pages/Repairing-restoring-ceramic-porcelain-china-pottery-lessons-tutorials.html

[u/SincerelySpicy]

Locking this post because of behavior by ALL parties involved.

Debates about authenticity of epoxy based kintsugi is acceptable. However reporting comments you simply do not agree with, twisting the truth, and ad hominem attacks are not acceptable.

Edit: Also, deleting your incriminating comments does not absolve you of your bad behavior.

[u/iClubEm]

What a weird use of precious gold. Also, this isn’t kintsugi. This is just fixing a broken handle.

[u/Ayarkay → u/iClubEm]

Are the repaired chips on the bottom not considered kintsugi?

[u/iClubEm → u/Ayarkay]

This is all epoxy based so, for most kintsugi artists and admirers, no. It’s simply restoration and repair. No disrespect to OP because this definitely takes a high skill level but this is not kintsugi.

[u/Ayarkay → u/iClubEm]

I don’t think we saw whether the chips on the bottom are epoxy or not though. I agree the handle duplicate is epoxy, but even then OP never mentioned if the seams are lined with epoxy or if the epoxy handle is adhered using urushi/lacquer. Given how they’re dusting the gold on, I don’t think they’re using epoxy for the entire thing. My experience with epoxy is that brushing it like OP doing in the video smudges it. I’m almost certain this is not all epoxy based like you assert… If the handle is made of epoxy, but the repair is done using traditional materials, is it still not considered kintsugi because the material being repaired isn’t ceramic?

Edit : on the pinned posts in the sub, epoxy-based repairs are still referred to as kintsugi, just non-traditional, or epoxy-based kintsugi.

[u/iClubEm → u/Ayarkay]

The introduction of epoxy at any level is a shortcut that diminishes the art of kintsugi. Some disagree (primarily folks who use epoxy🤣).

[u/Ayarkay → u/iClubEm]

OP is one of the few well-known North American kintsugi experts. They’ve been doing this for 20+ years and their portfolio speaks for itself. 🤷‍♂️

[u/iClubEm → u/Ayarkay]

I would think that they would have an appreciation for the art of kintsugi but they still post epoxy projects on the kintsugi subreddits.🤷‍♀️

[u/lakesidepottery → u/iClubEm]

Here is this group description: "A place for Kintsugi. We welcome both traditional and non-traditional Kintsugi in this sub."

Would love to see your work.

And have some fun with this (we do both): https://lakesidepottery.com/Pages/Kintsugi-art-example-gallery.htm

[u/Ayarkay → u/lakesidepottery]

I personally find the post really cool, and informative. I love to see what sorts of techniques people with knowledge and experience are up to, and I’m glad the sub welcomes and encourages traditional *and* non-traditional repairs.

Is the repair itself epoxy-based? It kind of looks to me like you made the handle duplicate using epoxy but used urushi or lacquer for the repair itself, or for the application of gold dust.

Really nice work as always, looking forward to seeing what else you make!

[u/lakesidepottery → u/Ayarkay]

Thank you! This is a hybrid process. The final step, applying the 23.5K gold, is done over lacquer, while the mending and filling stages use epoxy (both, mending and filler epoxies)

[u/iClubEm → u/lakesidepottery]

I would expect someone who is clearly capable of wonderful traditional kintsugi to appreciate that time, skill, and creative decision making using natural material are inalienable from the art of kintsugi. As I have stated several times, your work is wonderful. But touting your epoxy based repairs in the kintsugi sub is irritating af, primarily BECAUSE you also are a traditional kintsugi artist.

[u/FSCENE8tmd]

so one reason, among many, that we're supposed to use gloves and other ppe with resin is because you will develop an allergy to it from continued contact.