kintsugi seems to parallel the japanese concept of wabi-sabi. wabi-wabi is a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, and derives from buddhist teachings. the idea of incompleteness is also key to the concept, with the recognition that the world is in a state of constant flux and transformation. wabi-wabi however is about more than acceptance, it is also about the recognition of the beauty inherent in the transience and imperfection.

kintsugi could be described as an aesthetic representation of many of aspects of wabi-sabi, with criteria such as austerity, roughness, simplicity and asymmetry valued.

kintsugi is translated to english as ‘golden joinery’. it is the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, but also silver or platinum. with this process of repair, the joins where the broken pieces have been constructed, are kept and highlighted. it is an art therefore that does not attempted to conceal or ‘undo’ the breakage but instead embrace it. the breakage of the vessel is treated as an inherent part of its history and character. the pottery is commonly used in sadō, chadō, a tea ceremony involving matcha.

this concept seems at odds with many typical western ideas of aesthetics. in most instances the breaking of a vessel would signal the end of its use, with perhaps another vessel bought, found or made as a replacement. in this age of mass consumption and throwaway culture, perhaps the art of kintsugi is one that we should be practicing more.

– if you liked this post, then why not follow us on twitter to keep up to date with our latest posts