Embrace Imperfection
Catherine Lignier Master Gilder & Kintsugi Expert
Catherine Lignier brings a refined artistry to the ancient Japanese practice of Kintsugi
Embracing the beauty of imperfection through the repair of broken ceramics with gold. As one of the few global experts trained by Urushi masters, Catherine offers a rare opportunity to learn this delicate craft, blending traditional techniques with modern accessibility through her interactive online master classes.
Master Kintsugi Classes with Catherine Lignier
Transform broken ceramics into exquisite, gold-adorned masterpieces while mastering Kintsugi under the guidance of Catherine Lignier. This exclusive, four-session online course immerses you in the authentic techniques passed down through generations of Japanese Urushi lacquer artisans.
Why Learn with Catherine?
- Exclusive Expertise: Catherine is one of the few specialists worldwide, offering instruction in the true Kintsugi method using Urushi lacquer and pure gold.
- Custom Kintsugi Kits: Each student receives a premium kit, including genuine gold powder and all necessary tools, ensuring a seamless learning experience.
- Lifetime Access to Support: Catherine is dedicated to your success, offering ongoing guidance even after the course concludes.
- Community Discounts: Students enjoy material discounts and access to exclusive techniques and tips from Catherine’s network.
Register now - Embrace imperfection!
Traditional Kintsugi Class
The beauty in imperfection with Catherine Lignier
This class includes four sessions, each lasting approximately 2 hours or more, depending on the day’s content, student working speed, and time for questions. You will explore the rich history and technique behind Kintsugi.
What You’ll Learn:
- The History of Urushi (Japanese lacquer)
- The History of Kintsugi
- The Origins of Gold and its significance in Kintsugi
- Step-by-Step Repair Process for a chipped ceramic piece
- Techniques for Repairing Broken Pieces
Note: In this course, students will work on a small chipped ceramic piece. Because there is no gluing process, and the techniques are more complex than expected, we ask you to start with an easy piece to ensure proper understanding of each step.
You can connect with me anytime for advice, even between sessions and after the course, via email. I am committed to supporting your journey through Kintsugi, and private online sessions are also available for additional guidance.
Class Info
Dates: Jan 18, 25 and Feb 1st and 2nd 2025
Time: 2 pm EST*
Schedule: Class meets on Zoom
Cost: $810.00
Society of Gilders Member Discount: $760 ($50 discount)
ONLY 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE.
*Eastern Standard Time
Registration: To sign up, please email the instructor at ligniercontact@gmail.com
This course is suitable for all levels, and no prior experience is required. Through this class, you’ll receive complete instructions on how to repair a broken ceramic and give it new life.
Our approach is rooted in the authentic Japanese practice of Kintsugi, an ancestral method passed down through generations of Urushi masters over 600 years. This technique uses Urushi lacquer and pure gold powder, offering an exquisite, durable repair that is also food-safe, allowing you to reintegrate your piece into daily use.
Classes will be conducted live on Zoom, providing you with direct access to the instructor for questions and guidance during each session.
Kintsugi Workshop Details
Total Cost: $810.00
Society of Gilders Member Discount: $760 ($50 discount)
What’s Included:
- Kintsugi Starter Kit ($250 value) — Includes genuine gold powder, Urushi lacquer, a humidor, and essential tools. Free US shipping.
- 4 Live Zoom Sessions — Cover Kintsugi and lacquer history, scientific references, hands-on practice, and Q&A ($1200 value).
- Unlimited Email Support — Available throughout the workshop and up to 16 days after ($285 value).
- Session Recordings — Access to recordings after each session (upon request) ($387 value).
- Class Preparation Guidance — Assistance with object selection for practice ($29 value).
- Glossary — Includes scientific references and Kintsugi terms ($8 value).
- Private Support Session — One-on-one Zoom support during the workshop, available up to two weeks post-completion (upon request) ($100 value).
ONLY 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE.
Register Now!
Register now - Embrace imperfection!
Your Kintsugi Kit
Catherine has curated a professional Kintsugi kit to complement her Master Class. Each student receives a premium kit containing tools suited for beginners to professionals level, such as genuine gold powder and essential tools for a seamless learning experience.
Kit Includes: Humidity box, genuine gold powder, Urushi lacquer, and 20 other specialized tools and materials.
Shipping deadlines apply to ensure timely delivery for your first class.
Kit Shipping: To receive your kit, please email your shipping address and phone number to ligniercontact@gmail.com as soon as possible, and by January 5th for U.S. residents to ensure timely delivery. Overseas and Canadian students should allow 21 days for shipping.
Note: The class cannot begin without the kit.
Your Journey Starts Here
Elevate your artistry by learning a technique that symbolizes resilience and beauty. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, Catherine Lignier’s master Kintsugi class offers a deep dive into this transformative art form.
For more information or to secure your spot, visit Catherine Lignier's website or contact her directly at ligniercontact@gmail.com.
Workshop Disclaimer
Please note that participation in the Kintsugi workshop is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any urushi-related rashes, clothing stains, injuries, or accidents that may occur during the course of the workshop.
While guidance is provided, we cannot guarantee the quality of your completed repair, as results are dependent on each participant's artistic skill and patience.
Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued except in the case of unforeseen cancellations where the lessons cannot be held.
Cancellation Policy: Please be aware that the Kintsugi kit is non-refundable.
PLEASE BE ADVISED
Real Japanese lacquer (Urushi) and pure genuine gold powder will be used to teach the authentic kintsugi method. In some cases, a rash may occur if the lacquer directly touches your skin (hence the need to wear a long-sleeved shirt). For more information on this, please read below*. Gloves and guidance will be provided to handle the lacquer properly and safely.
Note that the Urushi lacquer cannot be removed after it comes in contact with your clothes - even after you wash it.
The reason why Urushi causes a rash:
Urushi (Japanese lacquer) comes from a plant related to poison ivy. In its liquid form, Urushi can cause an allergic reaction (rash) and dermatitis if it comes in direct contact with your skin. Thoroughly dried Urushi cannot cause a rash. The rash normally appears 24 hours after contact and clears up within 2 weeks. Symptoms include itching and blistering. The rash's duration and severity depend on a person's level of immunity. To prevent scarring, do not scratch the rash. Because Urushi is not commonly used in the United States, using creams or medicines is not recommended to treat an Urushi rash as long as the rash area is controlled and does not significantly
Gilders Tip Brush
For use with Loose Leaf gold. Various sizes. Allows you to pick up look leaf gold sheets and move the gold to the gilding surface without the need to touch the leaf.
22Kt Gold Leaf
This popular leaf is available as packs of 500 lvs, books of 25 leaves, on ribbon gold leaf.
Dux Quick Dry Oil size - gilding adhesive
This solvent based oil size is available in variuos sizes. Self leveling for a high quality finish. Quick size comes to 'tack' in approx. 1 - 1 1/2 hours and has an open time for up to 3 hours.
2" Gilder's Squirrel mop brush
Ultra soft squirrel hair brush - ideal for polishing gilded surfaces. With a range of sizes, this brush is ideal for removing skewings after the gilding process.