Kintsugi(金続ぎ) : The Art of Golden Scars

In today's world so often obsessed with perfection Kintsugi, the japanese art of repairing broken ceramics by highlighting the scars of the object with gold offers a strong counterpoint. The cracks and imperfections of the pottery is made the focal point of its beauty and uniqueness. Through Kintsugi (“golden joinery”), the breakage and repair is seen as part of the objects history, not something to fix but to highlight with gold.  

A Brief History

Kintsugi emerged in 15th-century Japan, during the Muromachi period. Legend holds that Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, dissatisfied with the aesthetic of the clumsy metal staples used to fix a prized tea bowl, asked local artisans to develop a more visually pleasing restoration method. The result was kintsugi, which quickly found a place in Japanese tea culture.

By the Edo period (1603–1868), kintsugi had become closely associated with chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. Tea masters, particularly those influenced by wabi-sabi aesthetics (acceptance of imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness), admired the appreciation of the scars on the ceramics Kintsugi promoted. Cracked ceramics repaired with gold embodied the humble elegance they cherished.

Kintsugi Today

While traditional kintsugi is still practiced in Japan, its influence extends far beyond pottery. Modern Japanese designers, artists, and even therapists have adopted its themes. The concept of embracing flaws has found relevance in:

• Mental health and trauma therapy

• Sustainable product design

• Art installations and fashion

• Personal narratives about healing and resilience

Some contemporary ceramic artists intentionally break their own work to kintsugi it—a radical reminder that the most compelling stories are those where transformation follows pain.

Kintsugi resonates today because its lessons are universal. It tells us that our flaws are not liabilities, but legacies. In a world that prizes the new, the flawless, and the uniform, kintsugi invites us to value character, endurance, and story.

This message continues to ripple through Japanese media and pop culture:

• In the anime "March Comes in Like a Lion" (3-gatsu no Lion), the main character's emotional healing is often likened to the principles of kintsugi.

• The drama "Shitsuren Chocolatier" uses broken ceramics and emotional wounds to explore how people rebuild after heartbreak.

• Musicians like BUMP OF CHICKEN and RADWIMPS have referenced kintsugi in lyrics about vulnerability and growth.

• Even Japanese fashion brands have adopted the aesthetic, creating garments with visible mending and metallic stitching as tributes to kintsugi's philosophy.

To learn more or explore real examples of kintsugi, consider visiting ceramic museums in Tokyo, Kanazawa, or Kyoto, where restored works are displayed with pride. You can also attend kintsugi workshops or explore beginner kits if you want to experience the art firsthand.

Kintsugi is not just how you fix something—it's how you honor it. And in doing so, how you honor yourself and your story.

How Kintsugi Is Done

Kintsugi is a deliberate and meditative craft, rooted in both artistic skill and philosophical intention. The process is traditionally done with urushi (a natural lacquer) and fine gold powder, though modern kits may use alternative materials.

Here is a simplified step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Gather the broken piecesCarefully collect all the fragments of the broken ceramic item. Clean each piece thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. This ensures a strong bond during the repair process.

Step 2: Apply adhesive lacquerTraditional kintsugi uses urushi lacquer as a natural glue. Apply a thin layer of lacquer to the broken edges where the pieces will reconnect.

Step 3: Reassemble the itemJoin the broken pieces together, holding them in place gently but firmly. The lacquer needs time to harden, so the joined pieces are often set aside and allowed to rest.

Step 4: Fill gaps or chipsIf there are missing fragments, a mixture of lacquer and flour or clay (called mugi urushi) is used to fill gaps or rebuild edges. This step can require artistic judgment to restore the form.

Step 5: Sand and refineOnce cured, the repaired areas may be gently sanded to smooth the surface and refine the join. Care is taken not to damage the surrounding ceramic.

Step 6: Apply gold powderWhile the lacquer is still tacky, it is dusted with powdered gold (or sometimes silver or platinum). This golden seam highlights the repair rather than hides it.

Step 7: Final curing and polishingThe piece is left to cure completely, often over several weeks. Afterward, it may be polished to enhance the finish and luster of the gold lines.

Each step demands patience, precision, and care. The finished product is more than restored—it's reborn, with every fracture a testament to its unique story.

Try It Yourself: Where to Get Kintsugi Tools

If you're inspired to begin your own kintsugi journey, there are several great sources for starter kits and traditional materials:

• MADE IN JAPAN (MIJ) – Offers authentic kintsugi starter kits with urushi lacquer and real gold powder: madeinjapan.com.au

• Etsy – A wide variety of beginner-friendly kits and traditional tools sold by small artisans from Japan and abroad.

• KintsugiOxford – UK-based shop with excellent repair kits, tutorials, and practice ceramics: kintsugioxford.com

• Amazon – Accessible starter kits using synthetic lacquer and imitation gold for casual practice.

• Tokyu Hands / Loft (Japan) – If visiting Japan, these department stores often carry quality kits and individual supplies.

Whether you’re looking to repair a sentimental dish or explore a deeper creative ritual, kintsugi invites you to slow down, reflect, and rebuild with grace.