Saturday, June 27, 2020

Day 2892: Kintsugi for the broken.





"Karin": ink brush drawing, watercolor, and junk mail collage.








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A re-post from my blog, Day 1887, September 23, 2017.



Maybe it's because I am broken, 
but aren't many of us in some way?
I love the Japanese custom of Kintsugi!
Nothing is ever truly broken ... that's the philosophy 
behind the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, which repairs 
smashed pottery by using beautiful seams of gold.

Photo: Tom Slemmons
Kintsugi detail. Photo: Matthew Tyas
The story of Kintsugi 
is said to have begun 
in the 15th century 
when Japanese 
military commander 
Ashikaga Yoshimasa 
broke one of his 
beloved Chinese 
tea bowls and, 
disappointed with 
a shoddy repair job 
it was treated to, urged Japanese craftsmen to 
come up with a more  
pleasing method of repair.




Translated to “golden joinery,” Kintsugi (or Kintsukuroi, 
which means “golden repair”)  the centuries-old Japanese 
art  gives a unique appearance to broken pottery
repaired with a seam of lacquer and precious metal.

Painting a Kintsugi pot. Photo: Tom Slemmons
Trust the Japanese to encapsulate the wisdom of the ages into a single object. Theirs is a culture with an enviable talent 
for clarity of both thought and communication, and with an 
admirable attitude to what really matters in life.



Images & resources from  BBC Four's Japan season, here.


Lakeside Pottery 
Kintsugi often makes the repaired piece even more beautiful 
than the original, revitalizing it with new life.

Photo: June's Child


If you want more, a wonderful page explaining
the 3 predominant styles of Kintsugi:
 crack, piece method, and joint-call can be found here.








• An article & pics from The Broad & Christopher Wool, here.
A very short feel-good video from Linda Bucci, here




Smiles for Saturday ...
























4 comments:

elenor said...

I heard of the art of Kintsugi only a few years ago and I love to be reminded of it by your post. Thanks!
I visited your blog yesterday and read the previous post I had missed too and then it was too late to comment. Sorry. But I enjoyed every single post.
I hope you feel better. It is so hard to face this crazy time and it gets harder with every new day. No end in sight? Let's hope this nightmare ends soon.
Have a wonderful Sunday, Jacki!

jacki long said...

Thank you, Elenor, it already better by hearing from you.
I don't think many realize how feedback makes my day.
You are so kind and I am wishing you and your family are well.
This is such a strange year, it is important to laugh when we can/

john said...

Kintsugi is fascinating. Just beautiful. Karin is fantastic! Her hair is just the best! :-)























jacki long said...

Thanks John, and I do hope you had a great '20th" birthday today?