Kintsugi: The Art of Embracing Imperfections
Nov. 24, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair
Kintsugi, also known as Kintsukuroi, is the Japanese art of restoring ceramic pieces using lacquer derived from the sap of the lacquer tree (urushi), mixed with gold, silver, or platinum powder. This ancient technique not only repairs the broken pottery but also transforms it into a unique piece of art by highlighting the cracks with shimmering metals.
The philosophical foundation of Kintsugi lies in the belief that breakages and imperfections are an integral part of an object's history and should not be hidden or forgotten. Instead, these flaws are embraced and accentuated, adding character and beauty to the item. Kintsugi teaches us to accept change and find beauty in the imperfect, reminding us that scars and flaws contribute to our personal stories and growth.
