Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
When a ceramic object breaks, most people would either throw it away or try to fix it in a way that conceals the damage. But in Japan, there is a centuries-old tradition of repairing broken ceramics with gold, creating a new beauty from the flaws. This art form is called kintsugi, which means “golden joinery” in Japanese.
The Origins and Philosophy of Kintsugi
Kintsugi is said to have originated in the late 15th or early 16th century, when the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a damaged Chinese tea bowl back to China for repairs. He was disappointed with the result, which used metal staples to hold the pieces together. He then asked Japanese craftsmen to find a more aesthetically pleasing solution, and they came up with the idea of using lacquer mixed with gold to fill the cracks.
Kintsugi reflects the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces the imperfections and impermanence of life. Rather than hiding or discarding the brokenness, kintsugi celebrates it as part of the object’s history and character. It also symbolises the resilience and transformation of overcoming adversity, as the repaired object becomes more valuable and unique than before.
The Techniques and Materials of Kintsugi
There are three main techniques of kintsugi, depending on the extent and nature of the damage. The first is called hibi, which means “crack” in Japanese. This technique is used for small cracks or chips, and involves applying a thin layer of gold lacquer along the lines of the fracture. The second is called kakiawase, which means “fitting together” in Japanese. This technique is used for larger cracks or missing pieces, and involves using a paste made of lacquer, rice flour, and clay to fill the gaps, and then coating it with gold lacquer. The third is called yobitsugi, which means “piece splicing” in Japanese. This technique is used for replacing missing pieces with fragments from other ceramics, creating a patchwork effect. The edges of the fragments are then joined with gold lacquer.
The materials used for kintsugi are mainly natural and organic, such as urushi lacquer, which is derived from the sap of the urushi tree, and gold powder, which is made from pure gold. Other metals, such as silver or copper, can also be used, but gold is the most common and preferred choice. The process of kintsugi is time-consuming and requires skill and patience, as the lacquer needs to be applied in multiple layers and cured in a humid environment.
The Influence and Appeal of Kintsugi
Kintsugi has influenced and inspired many modern artists, both in Japan and abroad, who have adopted or adapted the technique to create their own works of art. Some examples are:
Yee Sookyung, a Korean artist who creates sculptures from fragments of discarded porcelain, using gold leaf to join them together. Her works evoke the idea of rebirth and harmony from chaos and conflict.
Bouke de Vries, a Dutch artist who creates installations from broken ceramics, using gold wire to connect them. His works comment on the fragility and mortality of life and culture.
Rachel Sussman, an American artist who photographs cracks in natural landscapes, such as glaciers, deserts, and forests, and then fills them with gold resin. Her works explore the themes of decay and regeneration, and the relationship between humans and nature.
Kintsugi has also appealed to many people who appreciate its beauty and meaning, and who seek to apply its principles to their own lives. Kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for healing and growth, as it teaches us to embrace our flaws and scars, and to find value and strength in them. Kintsugi can also be seen as a way of practicing mindfulness and gratitude, as it encourages us to pay attention to the details and stories of the objects and people around us, and to appreciate them for what they are. Kintsugi can also be seen as a form of art therapy, as it helps us to express and cope with our emotions, and to transform our pain into something beautiful and meaningful.
