I have long been captivated by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, and in particular, the art of Kintsugi. This ancient craft involves repairing broken pottery using a special lacquer and finishing the cracks with gold or other precious metals.

What draws me most to Kintsugi, however, is the philosophy behind it—the idea that brokenness can be healed, and that flaws can become something beautiful. Life is full of challenges, but I’ve found that the events in my life that could be seen as tragic have often strengthened or transformed me in meaningful ways. The parallels between Kintsugi and our individual human experiences are profound.

From the beginning, it has been essential for me to honor the tradition of Kintsugi by using authentic materials and processes. In today’s fast-paced world, this is a slow, deliberate craft, with each step varying depending on the extent of the damage being repaired. A key element is Urushi, a special lacquer that has been used for thousands of years in pottery restoration. I am self-taught and by no means a Kintsugi Master, though I believe the cheaper alternatives online that use epoxy undermine the essence of Kintsugi. I remain committed to preserving the integrity of this beautiful craft, and I hope others who appreciate or wish to engage with Kintsugi will do the same.