Life has a way of breaking us, whether through personal loss, failure, or unexpected hardships. These moments leave us feeling fractured, as though the pieces of who we are can never be put back together. However, there are ways to move forward, to see the damage and the potential for growth and renewal. Sometimes, what feels broken is not beyond repair but instead holds the possibility of transformation—something many of us need to believe in.
In one of the most relatable books readers have encountered, Jasmines in Her Hair by Kalpesh Desai, the author introduces a poem titled “Kintsugi,” a term that might be unfamiliar to some, considering its origin. However, as you read through the poem, its meaning gradually becomes clear, even without understanding the title. It’s as if we instinctively understand the message, predicting it’s an object.
An object crafted to symbolize and convey the idea that “Sometimes, our broken can't be mended” and that “When those pieces, we gather and mend whole, And when it's time for us to be found, They shall not find a fractured soul.” This fascinating poem encourages us to think deeply about its meaning. As we read further, it clicks, revealing how this artistic expression teaches us to appreciate our value, even our brokenness.
Kintsugi 金継ぎ, which translates to "golden repair" in Japanese, is a traditional technique of repairing broken ceramics using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The term derives from the combination of kin (gold) and tsugi (join or repair). This art form originated in the 15th century, during Japan’s Muromachi period when a broken Chinese tea bowl was sent to Japan for repairs. Instead of trying to disguise the cracks, the Japanese artisans embraced them, highlighting their flaws with precious metals.
Rather than focusing on restoring the object to its original, unbroken form, Kintsugi celebrates the cracks and breaks as part of the object's history and story. This process transforms the ceramic into a unique, one-of-a-kind piece, where the imperfections become its most beautiful and valuable feature. Kintsugi embodies the Japanese philosophical concepts of wabi-sabi 侘寂 (the beauty of imperfection) and mono no aware 物の哀れ (the awareness of the impermanence of things), teaching that brokenness is not a flaw to be hidden, but a part of the natural course of life to be honored.
In Japanese culture, Kintsugi is more than just a method of repair; it carries a deep philosophical meaning. The technique teaches that brokenness is not something to be hidden but rather something to be honored. The visible repairs, often made with gold or silver, symbolize resilience, transformation, and the acceptance of imperfection. Kintsugi challenges us to reconsider how we perceive damage and encourages us to appreciate the journey rather than focusing solely on the end result.
This concept resonates deeply with many people, regardless of cultural background, as it reflects a universal truth about the human experience. Humans all experience hardships, losses, and challenges that can leave us feeling fractured. The concept of Kintsugi reflects the human experience of mending and healing. Like fixing a broken object with gold, we can overcome our struggles stronger, with our scars showing how strong we became. The repair process, symbolized by the golden seams, mirrors our journeys of healing and transformation. It teaches us that embracing our vulnerabilities and the scars they leave behind is a powerful act of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Moreover, this technique serves as a powerful metaphor for life. When we experience pain, it often leads to realizations. While we may interpret it differently, the common denominator is that Kintsugi helps us see our struggles in a new light, encouraging us to reflect and evaluate. The philosophy behind this art form has the power to change how we view ourselves, teaching us resilience, healing, and self-acceptance. This lesson goes beyond cultures and speaks to the universal human experience.
By Graecia O. Avestruz