Introduction: Do You Know About Kintsugi?
Welcome! Are you familiar with Kintsugi? Translated as "golden repair," Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese art that focuses on mending broken ceramics with a special lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It's more than a mere act of repair; Kintsugi is a philosophy. It teaches us to embrace the imperfect and appreciate the beauty in broken things, which can be a refreshing perspective in today's world obsessed with perfection.Understanding Kintsugi: An Art of Resilience
Originating in the late 15th century, Kintsugi was born out of a need to repair prized tea bowls. However, the philosophy attached to it—viewing breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise—resonates deeply with today's ethos of sustainability. The process involves carefully piecing together the broken ceramic, filling the cracks with lacquer, and highlighting them with gold powder. The result is a transformed object, carrying the narrative of its survival in its beautiful golden veins.Why Kintsugi is Wonderful from the Perspective of SDGs
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to shape our world into a sustainable, resilient place by 2030. Kintsugi, in its essence, aligns beautifully with these principles.
Here are the reasons why:
- Encourages waste reduction: Kintsugi repairs broken ceramics that would otherwise be discarded, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
- Promotes mindfulness: The meticulous process of Kintsugi encourages mindfulness, fostering mental well-being, another key focus of the SDGs.
- Conserves resources: Kintsugi requires minimal materials—just lacquer and precious metal powders. It's an art form that is resource-light and yet creates something of enhanced value.
However, every practice has its limitations:
- Requires time and patience: Kintsugi is a painstaking process and demands a significant investment of time and patience.
- Involves precious metals: While the amount used is minimal, Kintsugi does require the use of gold, silver, or platinum, precious resources that have their own sustainability implications.
Closing: Experience Kintsugi in Japan
In recent years, Japan has seen a rise in facilities offering Kintsugi experiences. These classes often include detailed demonstrations and hands-on practice guided by expert craftsmen.
In closing, Kintsugi is not just about repairing broken ceramics—it's a philosophy of resilience, acceptance, and sustainability. It's a beautiful art form that encourages us to find beauty in imperfection and treat breakages as opportunities to create something even more beautiful. If you have the chance to visit Japan, don't miss out on experiencing Kintsugi firsthand!