What is Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese repair technique?

In recent years, kintsugi is an excellent traditional Japanese repair technique that has attracted attention from around the world. There are many people who would like to know about the history and charm of Kintsugi.

This article will introduce the history of Japanese Kintsugi.

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese repair technique that uses lacquer, gold, and silver powder to repair broken ceramics and porcelain. In this technique, gold or silver is used to glue cracks or missing parts to create beautiful patterns. As a result, not only do broken objects acquire a new beauty, but the repaired areas are highlighted, celebrating the history of the repair and the history of the object.

History of Kintsugi

Kintsugi began with vessels sent from China.

A long time ago, there was a tea bowl called “Bashu Kizuna''. (Background image) This tea bowl was given to Taira Shigemori by a Chinese person in the 12th century. Later, in the 15th century during the Muromachi period, it became the property of Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga. Yoshimasa Ashikaga found a crack in the bottom of the bowl, so he sent it to China in search of a replacement bowl. It is said that such excellent celadon tea bowls no longer exist in China, so he fixed the cracks in the tea bowl with a hammer and sent it back to Japan. This is said to be the origin of the idea of repairing and restoring pottery.

It seems that the restoration of the tea bowl called “Baboshi Kizuna”that was sent back from China was not at all beautiful from an artistic point of view. In Japan, lacquer craft techniques that used lacquer and gold powder were popular, so it seems that “kasugai'' was replaced by “lacquer and gold” in order to improve art and artistry.

summary

In recent years, kintsugi has gained attention again, and is valued not only as a traditional craft technique but also as an art form. Kintsugi not only gives new beauty to broken objects, but also celebrates the history of the repair and the history of the object by highlighting the repaired areas. Why not try it out for yourself?

Experience Japanese Culture in Osaka

The History and Uses of Urushi