As we strive for perfection in all areas, life has a habit of dealing blows that oftentimes leaves us shattered and in seemingly worthless fragments . In these moments may we turn our mind to a concept originating in Japanese Philosophy.
As time passed, Zen Masters taught that broken pots, cups and bowls should not be neglected or thrown away when damaged but rather should be repaired with enormous care. There should be no attempt to hide the damage. The point is to render the fault lines beautiful and strong. This process symbolizes reconciliation with the flaws and accidents of time.
The word given to this tradition of ceramic repair is KINTSUGi . KIN - “golden” . TSUGI - “joinery”. Literally meaning to join or mend with gold. The practice is said to date back to the Muromachi Period when a Shogun of Japan broke his favorite bowl and sent it to be repaired in China. Upon its return, he was horrified by the ugly metal staples used to join the pieces. He then tasked his craftsmen with devising a more appropriate solution.
In an age that worships youth, perfection and the new, the art of Kintsugi holds a wisdom that is as applicable to our own lives as it is to pots. That the care and love expended on the shattered pieces should also encourage us to admire, love and respect what is damaged and scarred, vulnerable and imperfect. Starting with ourselves and those around us.
Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, is a beautiful way of honoring the history and imperfections of an object. In recent years, kintsugi has gained popularity not only as a form of art but also as a mindful practice of embracing and transforming one's own brokenness. If you're looking to try your hand at kintsugi or restore a cherished broken item, there are plenty of kintsugi repair kits available on the market.
In this list, we'll explore some of the best kintsugi repair kits that offer high-quality materials, clear instructions, and stunning results.