If you have yet to search the pages of Joanna Gaines’ recent book Homebody, then you may have never heard of the term “Kintsugi.” At least that’s where my sweet Mother-In-Law was first introduced to this centuries-old Japanese tradition. She was so inspired by it, she shared it with me. And I loved these ideas about pursuing wholeness!
So you may be wondering, what is Kintsugi? Well, to give you an English translation of the word:
Kin = Golden | Tsugi = Joinery
The word literally means to “join with gold.” The origins of this practice are said to date back to 15th-century Japan and simply began from artisans and craftsman, looking for a more aesthetic means to mend broken ceramics. So when an object shattered, such as a favorite tea cup, they would mend it with gold rather than throw it out. The technique involves using gold dust and resin or lacquer to restore the fragmented pieces. All in an attempt to highlight, rather than to hide, the repairs.
The outcome of the reconstruction can sometimes be more beautiful than the original ceramic. However, as many who have studied Japanese traditions will tell you, Kintsugi is so much more than a solve for broken dishes. The philosophies it's based on can serve as guiding principals for a more fulfilling life.
This practice is all about finding beauty in the imperfections. An art form, that reminds us of the strength and grace our individual scars bear.
Just like ancient pottery or worn out dishes, we each have flaws and imperfections. But Kintsugi philosophy actually suggests that that’s what makes these objects, and us, more beautiful. So rather than hiding our uniqueness, we should embrace and celebrate the things that make us different.
Life will never be perfect, and neither will we. But when we’re able to see ourselves for who we really are, we’ll be better able to fill the “cracks” in our lives that need mending. Admiring our imperfections leads to continuous improvement. And one day we’ll be able to look back on our scars or on the days we felt broken, realizing it was all part of a grand design. Helping us to become beautiful, living, rare works of art.
For a deeper understanding of this philosophy, we suggest reading ‘Kintsugi’ Wholeness by Candice Kumai.