Have you ever seen those porcelains that have small sparkling metal studs, like shining stars on their surface, giving them a unique charm? These pieces have all undergone a restoration process called “juci” which, beyond a traditional repair technique, is an art that gives new life and value to broken porcelains, transforming their fragility into unique pieces.
The history of juci dates back to the Song Dynasty. At that time, people were reluctant to throw away their damaged porcelain because they were concerned about waste. They devised ways to fix them with metal nails. This process gradually evolved into a refined art, not only restoring porcelain but also infusing it with beauty and character. The technique reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when different styles and schools developed, each pursuing its own artistic goal: discreet, visible, or innovative nails, forming juci works that were as varied as they were remarkable.
The restoration process
Juci requires meticulous know-how, requiring many steps. First, the craftsman fixes the broken pieces using ropes or glue to align the cracks. Then, he perforates the porcelain on each side of the crack. This step requires extreme precision, because it is necessary to avoid damaging the patterns and to respect a perfect symmetry of the holes.
Then, using pieces of metal, the craftsman makes flat, diamond-shaped nails, called “juci.” Their material, size, shape, and patterns are chosen according to the porcelain. The juci can be made of gold, silver, copper, or iron, and are sometimes decorated with patterns, inscriptions, or various shapes such as straight lines, curves, or undulations. The choice of these details allows the nails to harmonize with the porcelain and transform them into points of interest. Finally, the juci are pushed into the holes to ensure a perfect junction. To complete and embellish the whole, the craftsman applies a mixture of lime and sticky rice (or egg white) in the gaps to seal and uniformize the restored piece.
A unique aesthetic
The art of juci is not limited to technique; it also embodies a unique aesthetic, inspired by the fundamental principles of Chinese culture: “respect for objects” and “the vision of completeness.” “Respect for objects” reflects an attitude of gratitude and respect toward things, a philosophy of life that values sobriety, preservation, and harmony with one’s environment. By repairing porcelain, artisans extend its life and infuse it with new meaning. “The vision of completeness” represents the search for beauty in the integrity, balance, and harmony of things. Rather than seeing breakage as an imperfection, juci integrates these fractures to enrich the object with a new charm.
Transforming Brokenness into Beauty
Through juci, the craftsman gives a second life to broken porcelain. In this art, breakages are not perceived as losses, but as chapters of a story that is revealed to the viewer. Restoration goes beyond function to express an attitude of life filled with love and respect. This ancient art teaches us that every crack is an opportunity for rebirth and every repair, an elevation towards beauty.
Welcome to MinoCraft, where we offer you exquisite tea sets incorporating the traditional ju ci technique. Each piece embodies the craftsmanship of a master, unique and elegant, bringing the beauty of ju ci into everyday life. Through these delicate restorations, it is more than a rebirth of objects: it is an art that infuses warmth and refinement into every moment of your daily life.
