Kintsugi (golden joining) is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It is rooted in a 15th-century Japanese philosophy of aesthetics.
Kintsugi emerged as a response to the prevailing mindset that considered a broken object as irreparably damaged.
The practice was formalised during the Muromachi period when the Japanese shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a damaged Chinese tea bowl back to China for repairs. Dissatisfied with the conspicuous metal staples used for mending, Japanese craftsmen sought a more refined approach.
This led to the development of Kintsugi, where the fractures are mended with a mixture of lacquer and powdered precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum.
Beyond mere practicality, Kintsugi became a philosophy, realising beauty in the mended, acknowledging the history of the object rather than concealing its past.
Reframe your life
Today, this art form offers a metaphorical guide for embracing life’s imperfections and turning them into elements of strength and beauty.
Embracing the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi involves recognising the beauty in imperfections, and applying this mindset to one’s life can be transformative.
Begin by acknowledging and accepting your imperfections. Understanding that perfection is an unattainable standard shared by no one. What sets you apart is the unique mosaic of your flaws.
Rather than perceiving imperfections as shortcomings, view them as reservoirs of strength.
Life’s trials and tribulations have endowed you with resilience and fortitude. The scars you carry are not blemishes, but rather, intricate lines tracing your journey.
Just as Kintsugi uses precious metals to mend broken pottery, your experiences, both positive and challenging, have shaped you into a remarkable individual.
As mended pottery becomes a symbol of resilience and beauty, so your growth through adversity becomes a testament to your inner strength.
Understand that the philosophy of Kintsugi is not a call to flawlessness, but as an invitation to celebrate your unique narrative. In doing so, you can cultivate a profound sense of self-acceptance and authenticity.
Remember, the art of Kintsugi lies not in hiding imperfections but in transforming them into luminous aspects of your identity.
