Kintsugi – the art of embracing imperfections
When questions emerge, we often turn to people and books to discover the answers. The very human nature and our creations, however, can also provide us with valuable life wisdom. Just like that, the Japanese form of art Kintsugi may give much food for thought. This ancient technique of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold stands for a great reminder to embrace imperfections.
Kintsugi, translated as “golden joinery”, has long been practiced not only in Japan but worldwide. The main idea of this activity is that even from broken parts of something valuable we can create even more beautiful and unique pieces of art. Being repaired with a golden lacquer, the new pottery demonstrates us and honours its history. Instead of being thrown away, it is healed and reconstructed.
With time, Kintsugi has started to represent much more than a form of art. It has become a metaphor applied to human life. At some point or another, we all find ourselves feeling incomplete and “broken”. We often tend to concentrate on our flaws, imperfections, and failures. However, at the end of the day, each step that we take, each experience that we go through makes us stronger, wiser, and more connected to our true selves. Just like gold increases the value and beauty of pottery, all the fortunes and misfortunes lead us to our own unique wholeness.
The wellness facet of Kintsugi combines several important concepts. Among them is Wabi – the Japanese philosophy that describes the beauty of imperfections. Dating back to the 16th century, it gives us valuable lessons on how to live from the heart and appreciate all unique parts of ourselves. Another concept is Kansha – the act of accepting and expressing gratitude for both the good and the bad. Every experience is given to us with a purpose. When we stop fighting with life and wishing for things to be another way, that is when the doors for joy, happiness, love, and general wellbeing open.
“Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack, a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.”
- Lyrics from the song “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen
Artwork by Yeesookyung
“Translated Vase” 2017 TVSHW 4, 2017, TEFAF New York