Restoration

As both artworks and functional items, Zisha teapots are prone to damage and breakage. We offer two methods for restoring Zisha teapots: decorative restoration and preservation-based repair.

For Zisha teapots with rare appearances, even if damaged, they still hold significant value. Their worth isn't solely defined by physical integrity but requires comprehensive consideration. How to restore them appropriately is a matter that needs careful thought. Improper restoration methods can have adverse effects.

We collaborate with master Zisha teapot restorers to offer the following services:

Gold Lacquer Restoration

Gold lacquer restoration, or "kintsugi," uses natural lacquer that is safe and non-toxic. This method not only fills in the damaged parts of the Zisha teapot, restoring it physically, but also adds artistic and aesthetic value. Due to the labor-intensive nature and lengthy process of using lacquer, not all Zisha items require this method.

Kintsugi is an ancient repair technique originating from China. It's particularly suitable for rustic, coarse ceramics and Zisha items. The essence of kintsugi is "lacquer art," where natural lacquer is used to bond broken pieces or fill gaps. The surface is then dusted with gold powder or covered with gold leaf, restoring the ceramic's beauty and vitality. Unlike industrial paints, the natural lacquer used is extracted from lacquer trees and contains no harmful chemicals.

Natural lacquer is more adhesive than AB glue and harder than cement, hence the phrase "as sticky as lacquer." Kintsugi is not only used for ceramics, Zisha, and jade, but also for bamboo, wood, and ivory carvings. Once dried, it becomes sturdy, moisture-proof, antibacterial, corrosion-resistant, and withstands strong acids and bases. After applying the lacquer, the item needs to be placed in a dry, cool area for several weeks, making the process time-consuming. Only those with an artistic background can achieve aesthetically pleasing lines, so the restoration cost is relatively high. Some craftsmen may use industrial paints to save time and cost, so it's essential to identify genuine natural lacquer.

Ceramic Stapling

An old saying goes, "If you don’t have the skills, don’t take on ceramic repairs," which refers to ceramic stapling. In ancient times, ceramics were not as common and were costly, so ordinary families would repair broken pieces. This led to the widespread use of ceramic stapling and the presence of specialized craftsmen.

Ceramic stapling involves using staples to repair broken ceramics, comprising three steps: fixing, drilling, and stapling.

Diamond drills create holes on both sides of the ceramic cracks. U-shaped metal staples (often made of copper or iron) are then hammered into these holes to reinforce the piece, restoring its original shape and making it watertight.

Ceramic stapling is suitable for repairing cracks and lines in ceramics but not for pieces with large missing areas. The drilling process can cause secondary damage, so it's crucial to ensure the original piece is mostly intact with only cracks. If the drilling technique is poor, it can shatter the relatively complete ceramic further. Therefore, thinner ceramics may not be suitable for this method. Kintsugi can fill missing areas with less damage to the ceramic, though it requires longer drying times and may be affected by high temperatures.

Gold and Silver Inlay

Originating from the Song Dynasty, the gold and silver inlay method uses metals like gold and silver, making it more expensive but highly regarded for its unique restoration effects.

If a Zisha teapot's spout, body, handle, or base is chipped or even broken, inlay or tin wrapping methods can be used for repair. When done well, these methods do not affect the teapot's usability and can even enhance its artistic value.

Gold inlay involves wrapping thin sheets of gold (or sometimes copper) around the teapot's rim, spout, base edge, lid edge, and knob, creating a luxurious and elegant appearance. Common designs include gourd vines and leaves, which conceal imperfections while adding lively decoration, giving the item a renewed charm.

This method requires high-quality materials and skilled metalwork, resulting in higher costs. Compared to kintsugi, inlay offers more decorative patterns. Both kintsugi and inlay involve creative restoration, demanding a high level of aesthetic judgment, understanding of the original piece's artistic style, and technical skill from the restorer.