The Craftsmanship of Kintsugi: The Golden Veins Running Through Japanese Objets d’Art

Translated as ‘golden seams’, the centuries-old Japanese art of Kintsugi breathes new life into broken ceramic objects by piecing them back together with gold. Originating in the 15th century, this mending technique is not just a craft but a philosophy and metaphor for life itself. Kintsugi makes the broken beautiful and encourages us to contemplate the value in imperfection as well as seeing flaws as something to celebrate.

Origins and Philosophy of Kintsugi

The exact origins of Kintsugi are unknown but it is thought the technique was created in the Muromachi period. The story goes that the first use of Kintsugi occurred when the third ruling Shogun leader of that era, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, broke his favorite tea bowl. His rare and beloved bowl was sent for repair where it was pieced back together with staples, a popular technique at the time. However, Yoshimitsu was not satisfied with either the function or the aesthetic of this technique and suggested his craftsman find an alternative. Subsequently, Kintsugi was born.

While this story might not be entirely accurate, it is certain the technique was created during this period alongside the rise of Japanese tea ceremonies. These intimate tea drinking gatherings encouraged hosts and guests to respect and honor each other and the objects themselves, including tea utensils. This elevated the value of these objects and paved the way for their restoration via techniques like Kintsugi.

During this time in Japan, the ideas of wabi and sabi were growing in popularity. Wabi is roughly translated as beauty in simplicity and sabi as appreciation for the old. Together they came to create the philosophy of Wabi-sabi, which encourages an appreciation of impermanence. The process of Kintsugi, which celebrates imperfections by highlighting the ceramic’s flaws, is therefore directly related to this way of thinking.

Techniques and Materials of Kintsugi

It is often assumed that Kintsugi involves mending with gold, but the original process is a little more complicated. Traditionally, the Kintsugi process used a Japanese lacquer called Urushi, which is made from tree sap, to glue the broken ceramic pieces back together. This lacquer would also be used to fill any gaps, holes or chips to restore the piece.

Restored ceramics are then left to dry and harden over a few weeks before they are sanded down. After this, the Kintsugi master will paint over the seams filled with lacquer with gold to achieve the final aesthetic, or mix the gold powder into the lacquer while wet. While silver has at some points been used as an artistic decision, generally gold is seen as a superior option practically because it doesn’t tarnish and means the items are safe for use for eating and drinking once mended.

The Artistry of Kintsugi Masters

The original process is slow and intricate and calls for high levels of craftsmanship. As the lacquer dries almost instantly on application, each piece must be placed exactly where it is needed. Essentially, the Kintsugi Master has only one attempt to get the broken piece back in its right place. Similarly, to ensure the entire restoration of the original form, Kintsugi masters therefore have to place all pieces together at once in a careful balancing act.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Each Kintsugi piece is unique as no two ceramics break in the same way. This is a key part of its charm and significance. When the broken pieces are glued back together, something new is created. Kintsugi encourages a celebration of this new shape, a process which increases the owner’s attachment to the object. This symbolizes the idea of accepting the present as it is and making the best of the future.

Examples of Kintsugi in Japanese Art and Culture

From the 15th century onwards, Kintsugi became incredibly well regarded amongst collectors. So much so, some were accused of smashing ceramic pieces in order for the technique to be used. Similarly, pieces were sometimes broken if they were created with deformities during the production process. The ‘Hagi Kintsugi Chawan’, a type of tea bowl used in ceremonies, was one of the most common types of bowls to be repaired during this period.

There are a number of notable pieces of original Kintsugi work on display in museums around the world such as a 16th-century bowl in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and a 17th-century tea bowl at Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art.

Contemporary Applications and Interpretations

A number of Japanese artists working today use Kintsugi in both traditional and modern ways. For example, Kyoto-born ceramic therapist and Kintsugi artist Naoko Fukumaru restores unusual objects from all eras with Kintsugi, while Tokyo-based Tomomi Kamoshita combines broken pieces from different ceramics. For example, Kamoshita’s “Gift from the Waves” series saw her collect broken pieces of ceramic and glass from the beach and bind them together with metallic powder.

Beyond this, Kintsugi and the art of mending has inspired a number of contemporary artists internationally. The South Korean artist Yeesookyung, who is best known for her series of biomorphic sculptures made from fragments of porcelain, has often been linked to Kintsugi. Similarly, the British artist Paul Scott uses his extensive historical knowledge of ceramics to create ‘collages’ or pieces from found ceramics.

The Global Appeal of Kintsugi

Over the last twenty years, the internet has given Kintsugi a new global audience. The universal concept has naturally resonated with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds across the world. Amidst fast paced lifestyles, instant online culture and mass production, we are increasingly being drawn to objects that prioritize slowing down and mindful reflection. In an increasingly fragmented world, Kintsugi has become a symbol of resilience, healing and a celebration of the beauty of imperfection.

With the growth of self-care and wellness alongside and increased interest in Eastern spirituality, Kintsugi and adjacent Japanese philosophies have grown in popularity. For example, the 2018 book “Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life” by Japanologist and self-help author Beth Kempton was an international best seller translated into more than 25 languages. Simultaneously, the revived interest in traditional methods of craft across the board has seen ceramics and pottery techniques have a moment in the spotlight within fine art, garnering even more interest in Kintsugi.

Exploring Kintsugi Today

 Contemporary versions of the traditional Kintsugi technique have become very apparent online with numerous tutorials available on YouTube and social media. Many of these DIY Kintsugi techniques allow you to mend broken pottery quickly by mixing glue with gold paint. For learning more about Kintsugi from a professional, there are a number of artists working in the traditional way who run workshops for budding enthusiasts. For example, Yuko Gunji and Gen Saratani both offer workshops in New York alongside selling kits and restoration services, while in London, Kinboru Studios offers Kintsugi classes for beginners.

Final Reflections on Kintsugi

A testament to the power of creativity, resilience and the transformative potential of embracing imperfection, it is no wonder the interest in Kintsugi has transcended centuries. Whether you invest in a restored ceramic piece, mend a broken vessel yourself or simply learn more about this fascinating idea, the wisdom of Kintsugi offers a profound lesson in the nature of beauty and the art of repair.