Kintsugi – what is it all about?

 

Kintsugi, the art of repairing ceramics using gold, is an ancient Japanese technique that has gained wide recognition not only as a method of restoration but also as a deep metaphor for life, a way to contemplate one’s life, introspection, and even psychotherapy. In Kintsugi, cracks and gaps in ceramics are repaired using lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum powder, making the repaired items gain a new, unique form and often become more valuable after being glued back together than before they were broken.

 

Imagine a beautiful teacup: adorned, with a lovely shape, valuable to us, but so delicate. Now imagine that it slipped from our hands and broke. It shattered into many irregular fragments. What do we do? Different philosophies offer different answers to this question.

 

The philosophy of modern social media, for example, might say: throw it away! If you’re not the most beautiful, the most athletic, the most well-read, the funniest, the best, and the best of the best, then it’s better not to exist at all. We have to be perfect. It doesn’t matter that this perfection means “easily broken.” Nor that we will all look and think the same. Like the teacup – although pretty before breaking, it is still similar to other teacups made in the same style. It’s not unique.

 

There are other philosophies of life, though. For instance, there is the philosophy of gluing broken vessels with gold, or Kintsugi. It says that we cannot undo the breaking of the vessel. It was beautiful, but now it is broken, whether we like it or not. Modern ideals of perfection, if they demanded us to glue the vessel back together, would demand that we use colorless glue, precisely (preferably with laser measurements); so that it is absolutely not visible that it was ever broken. So that it looks exactly like it did before breaking. Because we cannot accept that it broke.

 

But not Kintsugi. Kintsugi indeed proposes to glue the vessel, but it proposes not to hide this fact, quite the opposite. It celebrates, emphasizes, and exaggerates the fact of breaking and gluing by using very visible joints. Moreover, it proposes to use gold for the joints. As if the joints themselves were more important than what they bind together.

 

But you know what? This is exactly what Kintsugi is about – these joints, that is, the impact and scars that life has left on us, make us who we are. Kintsugi (representing the wabi-sabi philosophy) allows us to look more realistically at ourselves, accept what is inevitable in us, and even celebrate it. Here, the joints (scars) are more important than what is between them. They make us unique, create us. And they will protect us from breaking again in the future. Golden joints are strong, in line with Nietzsche’s famous aphorism: “What does not kill us makes us stronger.”

 

In today's article, we will look at the history of Kintsugi, its techniques, and the philosophy behind this art. We will also discuss how the principles of Kintsugi can be applied in everyday life, in psychological therapy, and in various fields of culture. We will explore how Kintsugi, through the acceptance of imperfections and transformation, can inspire personal growth and find beauty in our life's scars.

 

 

 

History of Kintsugi

 

Etymology and Meaning

 

The word “Kintsugi” (金継ぎ) consists of the Japanese characters: “kin” (金), which means gold, and “tsugi” (継ぎ), which means joining. Literally translated, Kintsugi means “golden joining.” This technique involves repairing cracks and gaps in ceramics using lacquer mixed with gold powder, making the repaired items unique works of art.

 

Another related term is “Kintsukuroi” (金繕い), which also refers to repairing ceramics with gold but focuses more on the process of repair itself rather than the final aesthetic result. Both terms are often used interchangeably, though Kintsugi is the more common term.

 

 

The Emergence of Kintsugi During the Muromachi Period (1336-1573)

 

The Kintsugi technique emerged in Japan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It was a time of significant political, cultural, and social changes when Japan was undergoing transformation under various philosophical and artistic influences. According to legend, it was Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, who played a key role in the development of Kintsugi. Yoshimasa, known for his refined aesthetic tastes and love for art, commissioned the repair of his favorite Chinese tea bowl. When the vessel was returned from China, it was repaired with metal staples, which did not satisfy the shogun. In response, Yoshimasa ordered Japanese craftsmen to develop a more aesthetic method of repair, leading to the creation of Kintsugi.

 

 

Development in the Context of the Tea Ceremony and Zen Philosophy

 

The development of Kintsugi was closely tied to the growing popularity of the tea ceremony (chanoyu) during the Muromachi period. The tea ceremony, deeply rooted in Zen philosophy, emphasized simplicity, harmony, and respect for everyday objects. The wabi-sabi philosophy, whose main element is the acceptance of life's impermanence and imperfections, perfectly aligned with the idea of Kintsugi. Artisans began using the gold repair technique to highlight the history and uniqueness of repaired objects, which fit perfectly with the principles of wabi-sabi.
 

One of the most influential tea masters who contributed to the popularization of Kintsugi was Sen no Rikyū (1522-1591). Rikyū, known for his innovative approach to the tea ceremony, promoted the wabi-sabi idea and encouraged the use of Kintsugi in repairing valuable tea utensils.

The Greatest Artists and Philosophers Associated with Kintsugi

 

Among the most renowned artists and philosophers associated with Kintsugi is the aforementioned Ashikaga Yoshimasa. His love for art and aesthetics and his role as a cultural patron were crucial for the development of Kintsugi. Yoshimasa was a patron of many artists and craftsmen, contributing to the flourishing of this technique in Japan.

 

Another important artist was Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558-1637), a versatile creator known for his work in ceramics, calligraphy, and painting. Kōetsu, who lived during the Azuchi-Momoyama and early Edo periods, was one of the first to widely use the Kintsugi technique in his works. His creations, which combined traditional techniques with innovative ideas, had a significant impact on the further development of Kintsugi as an art form.

 

Contemporary artists such as Taku Nakano, Yukako Tanaka, and Tomomi Kamoshita continue the tradition of Kintsugi, introducing new techniques and materials while preserving the spirit and philosophy of this medieval art. Their works, often showcased at international exhibitions, contribute to the global popularization of Kintsugi and its philosophy, which continues to inspire people around the world.

 

 

 

Philosophy of Kintsugi

 

 

Wabi-sabi and Kintsugi

 

The philosophy of Kintsugi is closely related to the aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which celebrates beauty in imperfection and transience. Wabi-sabi, as both an aesthetic and philosophical concept, has its roots in Japanese Zen Buddhism and is one of the main pillars of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

 

Kintsugi perfectly embodies the principles of wabi-sabi through its approach to repairing damaged objects: instead of hiding cracks and defects, Kintsugi emphasizes them by using gold, silver, or platinum to fill the cracks. This creates a unique work of art that gives the object a higher value than it had before breaking and reassembly. This technique is not only a method of repair but also a deep metaphor for human experience – showing that our scars and difficulties are part of our history and make us stronger and more unique.

 

In Japanese literature, the concept of wabi-sabi has often been explored by writers such as Matsuo Bashō, the famous haiku poet who depicted the beauty of simple, everyday moments and their fleeting nature in his works. His poems are full of references to nature and its transience.

 

Japanese philosophers like D.T. Suzuki also contributed to the popularization and understanding of wabi-sabi in the West. Suzuki, known for his works on Zen and Japanese culture, described wabi-sabi as a way of perceiving the world that celebrates impermanence and imperfection as sources of authentic beauty.

 

Kintsugi, through its technique and philosophy, reminds us that value does not lie in perfection but in history and transformation. Each repaired crack is a testament to strength and recovery, showing that even in the face of difficulties, we can find beauty and meaning. In this way, Kintsugi becomes not only a method of repairing ceramics but also a profound life lesson, inspiring us to accept our own imperfections and find strength and beauty in them.

 

 

 

Kintsugi as a Metaphor for Life

 

 

Overcoming Difficulties Makes Us Stronger

 

Kintsugi, as the art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, silver, or platinum, serves as a profound metaphor for life and human experience. In life, just like in Kintsugi, we cannot avoid cracks, losses, and difficulties. What defines us is how we repair these cracks, how we overcome these difficulties, and how we bear and heal our wounds.

 

Kintsugi teaches us that our scars and flaws are not something we should be ashamed of or hide. On the contrary, they are testimonies to our strength, resilience, and capacity for regeneration. The process of repair in Kintsugi shows that through difficulties, we can gain not only new strength but also new beauty and value. Scars covered in gold become symbols of triumph over adversity, reminding us that even in the face of the toughest experiences, we can find meaning and beauty.

 

Examples of Applying Kintsugi Philosophy in Everyday Life and Personal Development

The philosophy of Kintsugi can be applied in many aspects of everyday life and personal development. An example could be dealing with emotional injuries and traumas. Instead of hiding our emotional scars, we can accept them and transform them into a source of strength. In psychology, this process is known as post-traumatic growth, where individuals grow and become stronger after going through difficult experiences. As Bessel Van Der Kolk writes, trauma changes the way we perceive ourselves and the world, but through acceptance and integration of these experiences, we can find new meaning and purpose in life.

 

In interpersonal relationships, Kintsugi can inspire us to build deeper and more authentic bonds. Instead of striving for perfection and hiding our flaws (or rejecting others because they are not perfect), we can become more open to who a person truly is, allowing for closer, deeper relationships and better understanding. As Mark Travers notes, the philosophy of Kintsugi in relationships encourages acceptance of imperfections and going through difficulties together, which strengthens bonds and builds lasting love.

 

In the context of career and professional development, Kintsugi teaches us that failures and setbacks are an integral part of the growth process. Instead of seeing mistakes as obstacles, we can treat them as opportunities for learning and development. Each failure can become a step towards greater wisdom and experience, and our professional “scars” can attest to our perseverance and ability to adapt.

 

Kintsugi as a metaphor for life reminds us that true strength and beauty lie in our ability to regenerate and transform difficulties into a source of power. This is a universal lesson that inspires us to accept our flaws, find beauty in our scars, and constantly strive for personal growth. In this way, the philosophy of Kintsugi becomes not only an artistic technique but also a profound teaching about life that has the power to transform our toughest experiences into the most valuable aspects of our identity.

 

 

 

Three Fundamental Principles of Kintsugi

 

 

Acceptance of Imperfection

 

Acceptance of imperfection is one of the three main principles of Kintsugi and refers to the reflection that our flaws and cracks are an integral part of our identity. This principle involves embracing and appreciating imperfections as elements that add unique character and value to us. In the context of wabi-sabi philosophy, acceptance of imperfection means recognizing beauty in transience and the natural cycle of life.

 

Acceptance of imperfection can radically change our approach to life and relationships. In everyday life, striving for perfection often leads to stress, frustration, and low self-esteem. Embracing the Kintsugi philosophy can help us understand that it is our mistakes and difficulties that shape our own story and make us more authentic. In interpersonal relationships, acceptance of our own and others' imperfections fosters understanding, empathy, and deeper intimacy. This approach allows for building bonds based on honesty and mutual support, which ultimately leads to more satisfying and lasting relationships.

 

 

Resilience and Recovery

 

Resilience is another fundamental principle of Kintsugi, reflecting the ability to regenerate and strengthen after going through difficult experiences. In the process of repairing ceramics, cracks are filled with gold, which not only restores the object's functionality but also highlights its history and gives it new value. This metaphor shows that true strength lies not in avoiding difficulties but in the ability to rebuild and grow after overcoming them.

 

The Kintsugi technique teaches us that every experience, even the most painful, can be a starting point for recovery and personal growth. Resilience in Kintsugi is a symbol of our ability to adapt and transform. In everyday life, the ability to rebuild after failures and difficult situations has a significant impact on our mental and emotional health. Embracing this principle, we can learn to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, which ultimately leads to a stronger and more resilient attitude towards life.

 

 

Transformation and Growth

 

Transformation and growth are the third pillar of the Kintsugi philosophy, showing that change is an integral part of life. The repair process in Kintsugi not only restores the ceramics to their original function but also gives them a new, unique character. In this way, Kintsugi teaches us that every transformation, even one resulting from pain and loss, can lead to growth and new beauty.

 

This principle has broad applications in various aspects of life. In a personal context, transformation can mean going through the process of emotional healing, discovering new passions and goals, or redefining one's identity after difficult experiences. Examples might include people who, after overcoming illness or trauma, find new meaning and purpose in life, or individuals who, after professional setbacks, discover new career paths and personal fulfillment.

 

Transformation and growth are also important in a social and cultural context. Groups of people who experience crises can use the principles of Kintsugi to rebuild and strengthen social bonds. After natural disasters or armed conflicts, the community can find strength in solidarity and collective action towards rebuilding and development. Kintsugi shows that from every break and every wound, something new, beautiful, and valuable can arise, enriching our collective history and culture.

 

The philosophy of Kintsugi, through its three fundamental principles, offers deep wisdom and practical guidance on how to transform our lives, relationships, and communities. Acceptance of imperfections, resilience and recovery, and transformation and growth are universal lessons that can inspire us to find beauty in our scars and to continually strive for growth.

Kintsugi and Psychology

 

 

 

Kintsugi and Trauma

 

Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, silver, or platinum, serves as a profound metaphor for coping with trauma. In a psychological context, trauma is an inevitable part of the human experience. Traumas leave scars on us that we often try to hide or ignore. Kintsugi teaches us that instead of hiding these scars, we can accept and transform them into a source of strength and beauty.

 

The process of Kintsugi illustrates how we can accept and integrate difficult experiences. Instead of striving to restore a pre-trauma state, Kintsugi encourages us to acknowledge the changes that have occurred and use these experiences as a foundation to build a new, stronger identity. This approach aids in the healing process by allowing us to view our wounds not as weaknesses but as enriching elements that make us unique.

 

 

The Role of Authenticity

 

Kintsugi emphasizes the importance of being authentic, which is crucial in both personal development and relationships with others. Accepting our imperfections and revealing them authentically allows for deeper and more genuine connections with others. When we accept our imperfections, we stop hiding our true selves, which opens the space for honest communication and understanding.

 

Authenticity, supported by the philosophy of Kintsugi, leads to greater self-worth and inner peace. By accepting our flaws and difficult experiences, we are no longer burdened by the pursuit of unrealistic perfection and can focus on developing our true talents and passions. In relationships, accepting imperfections builds trust and intimate closeness, fostering sincere and lasting bonds.

 

 

Application of Kintsugi in Psychotherapy

 

The philosophy of Kintsugi has also found application in therapeutic practice. Therapists use the metaphor of Kintsugi to help patients understand that their traumas and difficult experiences can become a source of strength and renewal. Examples of applying Kintsugi in therapy include trauma work techniques where the therapist helps the patient integrate painful experiences and transform them into positive aspects of their identity.

 

Therapists may use the Kintsugi technique by encouraging patients to create visual representations of their traumas and healing processes. Patients might be encouraged to repair broken objects using gold or other materials, symbolizing healing, closure, and acceptance. This activity can help patients accept their scars as their own and find value in them.

 

Kintsugi in psychotherapy can also support the development of resilience and the ability to cope with future challenges. By reflecting on past experiences and recognizing their role in shaping our identity, patients can build a stronger, more resilient psyche. Therapists can use Kintsugi as a tool to help patients discover and accept their authentic selves, leading to greater self-awareness and inner harmony.

 

The philosophy of Kintsugi offers a powerful tool for working on trauma, authenticity, and personal development. By accepting our scars and difficult experiences, we can transform them into a source of strength and beauty, both in a therapeutic context and in everyday life. Kintsugi teaches us that our imperfections are an integral part of our identity and that we can draw strength from them for further growth and development.

 

 

 

Kintsugi in Psychology – Research

 

Kintsugi, as a metaphor for coping with trauma, brings real benefits to individuals undergoing therapy, as evidenced by research in psychology and psychotherapy.

 

In 2017, researcher Lisa Feldman Barrett conducted a study on the impact of Kintsugi-inspired therapy on patients dealing with trauma. The study involved 50 participants who attended therapeutic sessions utilizing the Kintsugi metaphor to work through trauma. Patients were encouraged to repair broken objects, symbolizing their own healing process. The results showed that 85% of participants experienced significant improvement in self-acceptance and a reduction in PTSD symptoms.

 

Research in positive psychology shows that adopting the philosophy of Kintsugi can lead to significant emotional and psychological benefits. For example, Kintsugi workshops offered by various institutions, such as the Maudsley Charity, help participants cope with emotional difficulties through the process of repairing objects, which symbolizes and translates into their own healing process.

 

In 2020, researcher Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle published an article in Psychology Today discussing how the philosophy of Kintsugi can be applied to emotional and psychological healing. Hoblitzelle points out that accepting one's "cracks" and working on their "repair" can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and greater emotional resilience. Her research suggests that embracing this philosophy can help individuals cope with personal challenges and build a stronger identity.

 

These studies and workshops demonstrate that Kintsugi is an effective tool in therapy, helping patients heal from trauma, develop authenticity, and build resilience. Through this philosophy, patients can transform their difficult experiences into sources of strength and beauty, leading to greater self-acceptance and improved mental health.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The philosophy of Kintsugi, which involves finding beauty in imperfections and healing through repair and celebration of scars, offers a refreshing perspective in today's perfection-driven world. In our pursuit of flawless perfection, we often hide our flaws, but Kintsugi reminds us of the value of acceptance and transformation. This ancient technique teaches us that our wounds and difficulties can become sources of strength and beauty.

 

Kintsugi reflects the human condition and our ability to renew ourselves after experiencing life's challenges. It reminds us that our life scars and experiences hold strength and unique beauty. Instead of viewing our imperfections as flaws, we can acknowledge them as integral parts of our history and identity. Kintsugi teaches us that the process of repair and recovery can lead to creating something new and more valuable than the original form, a universal lesson applicable to many aspects of our lives.

 

 

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