Japanese kintsugi art repairs broken pottery using gold to highlight cracks
The traditional craft uses lacquer and precious metals to turn damaged ceramics into unique objects with a new identity.
According to a report by the Times of India, kintsugi is a Japanese traditional art form that mends broken pottery by highlighting its defects rather than hiding them. The process involves using lacquer and gold to join ceramic fragments, turning damage into a distinctive feature of the vessel.
The term kintsugi translates to “golden joinery,” while it is also known as kintsukuroi, meaning “golden repair.” This tradition dates back to the 15th century and is linked to Japanese tea culture. Artisans typically use a special lacquer called urushi, often mixed with powdered gold, to perform the repairs.
The intricate craft requires significant skill and patience, as different layers of lacquer must cure over time. While gold is common, some artisans use silver, platinum, or mismatched ceramic pieces to create different appearances.
The practice is connected to the wabi-sabi philosophy, which values simplicity and finds beauty in irregularities. This approach is particularly relevant in tea ceremonies, where the unique character of ceramic bowls is appreciated.
Kintsugi also serves as a lesson in sustainability by encouraging the preservation of objects instead of discarding them. Although the use of gold makes the process expensive and time-consuming, it provides a way to give broken items a second life.