Kintsugi, a Japanese term that is gaining popularity worldwide but has no relation to sushi or manga. It’s an artistic technique that hides interesting philosophical insights for those who don’t have a talent for art or are not interested in the industrial aspects of art.
Kintsugi literally means “golden joinery” (金継ぎ), formed by combining the terms “oro” (“kin”) and to mend, repair, rejoin (“tsugi”), and is applied when a precious bowl, teapot, or vase breaks into many pieces. The goal is to collect the shards with patience, then put them together without using glue, but instead, using a material that enriches the result.
Kintsugi provides an alternative to simply throwing away broken items or reassembling them carelessly. It shows us how from broken objects we can create something even more valuable than the original item. This Japanese practice conveys a powerful message for all of us, not just those who break and repair vases.
The Philosophy of Kintsugi
When you see a ceramic vase broken into pieces, it takes on a new life and transforms into an object that shines with gold and is more valuable than before. It shows how true the phrase “not everything bad happens to us” can be. If this was just a saying up until now, when we have in our hands an object repaired with kintsugi, this philosophy becomes something concrete and tangible.
We can call it “the art of accepting damage”. We can interpret it as a way to not only accept our injuries but to use them to become better. The time and skill required to achieve valuable results are the same as in figurative terms.
Not everyone can appreciate the value of scars quickly; it requires patience, determination, and most importantly… the will to succeed. In the context of ceramics and vases, a certain amount of drying time is needed, which can last up to a month, before we have the new piece with golden scars in our hands.
The Importance of Patience
Patience is one of the key elements required for kintsugi. It’s essential to let the broken pieces dry out completely, as rushing the process can lead to disastrous results. This requires focus and discipline, which are valuable qualities that benefit us in many areas of life.
By slowing down and taking the time to carefully reassemble the fragments, we can create something truly unique and beautiful. This teaches us the importance of patience and the value of investing time and effort into our endeavors.
The Value of Imperfection
Kintsugi shows us that imperfections are not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be celebrated. The broken pieces, once considered flaws, now become an integral part of the object’s history and character. This reminds us that perfection is often an unattainable goal and that it’s the imperfections that make us unique.
In a world where we’re constantly striving for flawlessness, kintsugi encourages us to accept and even embrace our imperfections. By doing so, we can develop a more positive self-image and appreciate the beauty in the imperfect.
How to Do Kintsugi
To work according to specifications, it’s essential to have precious metal to repair broken items. Otherwise, the significance of kintsugi, both concrete and philosophical, will be lost. It doesn’t have to be gold; silver liquid or a mixture of lacquer and powdered gold can also be used.
The result will be an object of the same shape as the original but decorated with golden lines that adorn it unpredictably and creatively. The fractures that were created when the vase broke are preserved, so each repaired vase becomes unique and has many pieces, restored, scarred.
The beauty of chance should be cherished; we can find precious ideas and beautiful things in it.
In Japan, they don’t use pure gold for this practice but lacquer urushi (lacquer) which has been used for thousands of years. Both the Chinese and Japanese have used it for millennia, as evidenced by its presence in a 5,000-year-old tomb in Fukui Prefecture.
It’s essentially a kind of sticky sap that was also used for purposes other than esthetics, such as repairing arms or hunting weapons.
The History of Kintsugi
Kintsugi was invented around the 15th century due to a broken teapot. In reality, it was Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Ashikaga dynasty, who entrusted some Japanese artisans with this task after he saw the vase break into pieces.
These Japanese artists returned a true masterpiece. A delicate and shining golden-colored tea bowl that is still considered priceless today.
Whether this is a legend or reality, we can’t say for sure, but kintsugi remains applied to teacups as well as many other ceramic objects.
Kintsugi: A Metaphor
It’s quite clear the metaphor that this Japanese practice conveys. It connects us every time we see one of these beautiful works of art with the idea that people too can be reborn, and their scars are covered by golden lines.
Each person is marked by wounds in a different way just like the golden patterns on each repaired vase create unique designs and can’t be replicated.
The Significance of Kintsugi
Going deeper into the matter, there’s another lesson we can learn from this technique: we shouldn’t throw away what’s broken but rather repair it. And who knows, maybe something valuable can come out of it.
Not every reuse and recycling results in objects with low value. This is a lesson to be learned and not forgotten.
Kintsugi Quotes
If you’re looking for practical advice on kintsugi, check out Chiara Lorenzetti’s book on Amazon for 11 euros. If instead you want some metaphorical quotes about scars and wounds that seem perfect for those who practice kintsugi, here are a few:
“The strongest souls are tempered by suffering.” Kahlil Gibran
“Don’t allow your injuries to transform you into someone you’re not.” Paulo Coelho
“There’s nothing more beautiful than a person who rises after a fall. When we rise again, stronger and more beautiful than before, with some scars beneath the skin but a will to change the world just by smiling.” Anna Magnani
The Impact of Kintsugi on Modern Society
In recent years, kintsugi has gained popularity worldwide, inspiring artists, designers, and even entrepreneurs to apply its principles to their work. This Japanese art form has become a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection.
By embracing the concept of kintsugi, we can learn to see our own flaws as opportunities for growth and transformation. We can develop a more positive self-image and appreciate the unique qualities that make us who we are.
Conclusion
Kintsugi is more than just an art form; it’s a way of life. It teaches us to accept imperfection, value uniqueness, and see the beauty in brokenness. By embracing these principles, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, resilience, and creativity.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, kintsugi reminds us that it’s okay to be imperfect and that our scars can be a source of strength and inspiration. So, the next time you see a broken object or encounter someone with imperfections, remember the wisdom of kintsugi: that true beauty lies in the imperfections that make us unique.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the art of kintsugi, we’re reminded that life is full of brokenness and imperfection. But it’s how we respond to these challenges that truly matters. By embracing the concept of kintsugi, we can learn to see our own flaws as opportunities for growth and transformation.
We can develop a more positive self-image and appreciate the unique qualities that make us who we are. So, the next time you encounter someone or something with imperfections, remember the wisdom of kintsugi: that true beauty lies in the imperfections that make us unique.
And so, let’s strive to see the world through the eyes of a master craftsman, where every broken piece holds the potential for transformation and growth. Let’s celebrate our imperfections and see them as a reminder that we’re human, fragile, and beautiful – just like the golden lines that adorn each repaired vase.
