Japanese philosophy Kintsugi – art of repairing broken pottery

Japan is a country of special worldview and philosophy, which permeates all spheres of life. At the same time, the attitude to objects is often a reflection of the attitude to the person. A striking example of this approach is the technique of restoration of ceramics – kintsugi.

Kintsugi (also known as kintsukuroi – golden repair) translates as «golden patch» or «golden seam».

Kintsugi is a technique of restoration of ceramic products with the help of a special natural varnish of urusi wood with admixtures of precious metals, most often gold. At the same time, cracks in the dishes are not simply not masked, but are openly emphasized.

There is a legend about the origin of kintsugi. In the 15th century, one of the Japanese rulers was Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. He loved the tea ceremony and had an exquisite Chinese tea set for it. But once Yoshimasa broke his favorite tea cup and was so upset that he decided to return it to Chinese masters with a request to repair. What was his disappointment when he received his bowl fastened with ugly metal staples. The shogun ordered Japanese craftsmen to invent a more aesthetic way of restoration. And so the technique of Kintsugi appeared.

Japanese philosophy Kintsugi

The philosophy of Kintsugi originated from the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, as well as the aesthetics of wabi-sabi – modest simplicity, the ideality of the imperfect. The Japanese, unlike Europeans, do not value luxury and perfection, but history, experience, uniqueness. Therefore, for them, broken and re-glued dishes are much more interesting and valuable, because such thing has its own soul, a history that is evidenced by cracks. And the fact that these cracks are golden, only emphasizes the value of such uniqueness.

How is the philosophy of Kintsugi applied to people’s lives? Wisely, like all Japanese philosophy. It teaches us to value experience, to respect other people’s pain and wounds. After all, it is because of tragedies and disappointments that a person often «breaks down», but then gathers himself again from the pieces to become wiser, deeper, more beautiful. Kintsugi is about the beauty of the scars that make us who we are – unique and experienced people. And in this sense, it does not prevent all of us to become a little Japanese.

The Lihtaryk Art Studio will not teach you the art of Kintsugi, which requires many years of practice. Instead, we invite adults and children to pottery workshops, both group and individual. We also have a pottery course that helps to master not only the basics, but also the secrets of the craft.

So being in Kyiv do not miss the opportunity to visit our cozy studio!

Make application

    Nearest masterclasses
    Check all available dates >>
    Our clients` reviews
    How to get us

    Our location

    Write us

      Tech Support for your corporate Website