金継ぎ Kintsugi (or Kintsukuroi)
The Aesthetics of Mended Japanese Ceramics
Since the 16th century Japanese ceramics have been repaired in different ways with amazing results. These repairs have aesthetic values and an artistic interest for themselves and in relation to the objects. Repaired ceramics gained value in some cases as they became tasteful collectibles.
Small repair on top 九谷酒器 Kutani Shuki (Sake Bottle)
Circa 20th Century
With Tomobako 共箱
Circa 20th Century
With Tomobako 共箱
By Suda Seika 須田菁華
Ko-kutani Utsushi 古九谷写
Ko-kutani Utsushi 古九谷写
Kintsugi is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum.
The philosophy behind the technique is to recognize the history of the object and to visibly incorporate the repair into the new piece instead of disguising it.
The process usually results in something more beautiful than the original.
In the art of Kintsugi, a once ordinary ceramic can become extraordinary, as the repair process itself transforms an unremarkable piece into something uniquely special and highly desirable.
“Mended ceramics foremost convey a sense of the passage of time.”
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