Kintsugi is a Japanese art that goes far beyond fixing broken objects. Try to revalue these objects, to make them more beautiful and to appreciate the scars that have remained. This special art where beauty and heart come together has more and more followers.
In this article we want to talk about what kintsugi is from all the perspectives it has, from the material to the immaterial, from the scars of the body to the scars of the soul.
What is Kintsugi?
The Japanese word kintsugi translates to "unite with gold" and it is an ancient Japanese technique for repairing broken ceramic objects. This repair jumps the barrier of the usefulness of fixing an object and addresses an interesting underlying philosophy. This art, therefore, does not merely consist of fixing broken objects but embrace the history of those objects and the imperfections that history has left in them. At the same time, it transforms a weakness (the fracture) into something aesthetically and morally strong.
It is not only a method of repair, it is a philosophy in itself that invites everyone to think and value their own scars, because they are there and we should not hide them. We must show the scars and resurface with them Like a phoenix. Ever stronger, ever more beautiful. All of this promotes a positive outlook on life, where we should celebrate everything that happens to us, every opportunity to learn something new. Because, like repaired pottery, our own scars can be revealed beautifully and beautify us by showcasing our experience and richness as human beings.
How to practice the art of kintsugi?
The first thing we need to practice this art is a broken ceramic object. If we have a sentimental object that's broken, even better. If not, we can always break something to practice on. A method of joining the different pieces is used. mixture of resin and gold, silver or platinum powderBy joining the pieces together, we're not only repairing the object, but also highlighting the scars left by the breakage, which were subsequently repaired. These cracks and damage become something aesthetically beautiful, a visually appealing element that gives the object added value.
Here lies the big difference compared to conventional repairs where the pieces are glued or even where the breakage is hidden. Kintsugi does not want to hide the break, it wants to highlight it, it wants show imperfections as a sign of history of the object, scars worthy of being shown and appreciated.
The philosophy behind art
The philosophy behind this peculiar art is based on the principles of wabi-sabi, where the beauty of the imperfect, the transitory and the experience is valuedThis Japanese worldview invites us to reflect on those things that leave scars on us, painful experiences that cannot and should not simply be hidden or erased. Experiences that make us grow as individuals and learn, bringing strength from what was initially a weakness.
This philosophy is really interesting for the current moment that we live in, where perfection in beauty is sought, faces without wrinkles or imperfections, for example. A moment where life seems to have touched us must be perfect or at least give the appearance of being perfect: trips, model children, ideal partners and a long etcetera... that we can find on social networks. All those things that are published but in reality are more for appearance than anything else.
Additionally, kintsugi teaches the importance of resilience and the ability to get back up or be reborn. Instead of seeing a broken object as something that has lost its value, with this art that object begins a new life, a new story based on the old one and the scars it left. Each golden crack is a story of fragility and strength. Something again easily extrapolated to current life.
The practice of kintsugi today
The art of kintsugi crossed the border of Japan years ago, spreading to different countries. He has gained recognition among different cultures where his philosophy resonates in search of a positive approach to life, imperfection and resilience.
this art It is practiced by artists and designers, but also among amateurs., where technique carries an important burden in fields such as psychology, philosophy, art and design. Not only ceramics are involved in kintsugi, but the repair philosophy jumps to other fields and materials.
If you also dare to try this art, you may find a way to relax while the artistic methodology of repairing objects showing his scars like they were jewels It penetrates a soul little by little, impregnating it with the philosophy that accompanies each repair.
