Embracing the Imperfect: The Sustainable Art and Philosophy of Kintsugi
- Aug 30, 2022
- 4 min read
In today’s consumerist-led society, the mentality toward broken and imperfect objects encourages what is known as ‘throwaway culture.’ Instead of mending and repairing items, it is often deemed easier, more exciting and cheaper to dispose of an ‘undesirable’ item and replace it with a new one. However, according to Kintsugi craftsman Muniyake Shimode, in Japanese culture there is an innate spiritual desire to understand the history and background of things; whether that be a person or an object. Instead of continually chasing newness and giving in to instant gratification, one must look at somethings history and value and embrace all of their qualities, including the flaws. This spiritually aligned way of thinking is part of a larger Japanese concept called Wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is, as described by Marie Kondo, a complex yet fundamental part of Japanese culture which is derived from Zen Buddhism. It is an aesthetic ideal, a philosophy, an art or a way of life, depending on whom you ask. Wabi-sabi encompasses the beauty of the flawed, the impermanent and the incomplete; it centres on the magnificence of imperfection. Kintsugi (金継ぎ) then, also known as kinsukiroi, (金繕い) is the perfect physical and philosophical manifestation of wabi-sabi, as it is the process in which broken or imperfect ceramics are repaired with gold to illuminate its disfigurement.
Although it is somewhat unclear exactly when the practice of Kintsugi began, one theory dates back to the 15th century where the Japanese military shōgun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, broke a beloved chawan, or tea bowl. The bowl clearly had some significance to Yoshimasa as he sent it to be repaired in China. However, on its return, Yoshimasa was terribly unsatisfied with the outcome. The bowl had been pieced back together with thick metal staples which were bulky, unattractive and distracted from the bowl’s original beauty. Consequently, Yoshimasa consulted with a Japanese craftsman and asked that he figure out a better way to repair the bowl which was more pleasing to the eye. The craftsman was determined to impress Yoshimasa and came up with a repair technique which transformed the bowl into a remarkable art piece. This was the birth of Kintsugi.
Kintsugi itself translates to mean ‘golden joinery’ and is the process in which a broken pottery item is put back together using lacquer and then mixed or brushed with gold, silver or platinum dust. The results are individual to every piece, depending on where it has been broken and the crack-lines on the item are replaced with an emblazoned gold, silver or platinum seam. Although the items that are restored usually hold some sentimental significance to the owners, the effects of this art form are so wondrous that in the 17th century, when Kintsugi was better established, many were accused of purposefully breaking objects to have them decoratively restored! All in all, the whole restoration procedure can take months due to the ritualistic drying process but, to the person re-receiving their item, it is bound to be worth the wait. The other great thing about this art form is that it is also sustainable; the owner of a restored item can feel proud that they are not contributing to the climate crisis through throw-away culture but instead respects the value of restorable objects - even if it takes that little while longer.
Although the physical aspect of the restoration process is undoubtedly fundamental to the art of Kintsugi, it is the philosophy behind it which bears the strongest significance. Kintsugi restorer Hiroki Kiyokawa claims that “all of us develop scars throughout our lives. But these scars should never be hidden,” they should instead be celebrated. The trials and tribulations which we endure throughout our lives as humans are the cause of the scars we wear and often it is through these occurrences that rebirth, regeneration and transformation are ignited. Under the philosophy of kintsugi, our scars, much like the cracks in pottery, should never be concealed, they should not be thought of with shame or contempt but as reminders of our history, the fragility of our existence and our incomparable individuality.
Kintsugi student Motoko Takeuchi claims that in the ‘use and dispose of era’ that so many of us now live in, the profound Japanese philosophies found in wabi-sabi and kintsugi are becoming lost. However, we can easily introduce these tenets into our own lives. In a harrowingly vulnerable TedX talk, author Cheryl Hunter talks about a traumatic event which led to her profound journey of self-acceptance, sparked by her introduction to these Japanese principles. Therefore, much like Hunter, as a society, if we actively implemented the notion that all-encompassing beauty lies in our unique experiences and in the very things we have blindly perceived as our ‘flaws,’ wouldn’t we be honouring ourselves with deserved respect and appreciation, instead of self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy? Much like the restored ceramics that undergo the Kintsugi process, we must strive to find magnificence in our imperfections and stand in our one-of-a-kind pride.
What are some ‘imperfections’ of yours that make you, you? That make you unique? That highlight your individual beauty?
Take a look at one of my favourite Kintsugi accounts on Instagram, which initiated my love of this art form: @chimahaga - a traditional Kintsugi repairer based in Tokyo, Japan.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1gxziZwmkc
https://konmari.com/beauty-in-broken-things/
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