There’s a tale about a Japanese military dictator, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who in the late 15th century sent his damaged bowl to China to be replaced. However, the high-quality original celadon porcelain was no longer available.
Instead, the artisan returned the bowl to him with the original crack clamped together with a large locust clamp (Bakohan); it was even more beautiful and more valuable.
Japanese artisans saw this as an opportunity to develop a new form of pottery. They began mending pottery by combining lacquer with gold, silver, or platinum and resin. Historians believe their discovery initiated the practice of Kintsugi (AKA Kintsukuroi), which translates to “golden joinery.”
Kintsugi Soul Repair (KSR) teaches that nothing is irreparable as long as it’s openly vulnerable. Kintsugi embodies this by honoring broken objects, preserving their history, and giving them a new life.
It encourages us to accept our imperfections as part of life’s process and not to hide behind the shame. While reminding us that by highlighting the cracks, we become unique, precious, and stronger as we evolve into better versions of ourselves.
Rooted in several Japanese philosophies that celebrate imperfections and the transformative power of change, KSR reveals how life can turn adversity into splendor and cultivate resilience.
It exemplifies how by embracing our scars instead of hiding them, we become wiser, tougher, and more beautiful, and teaches us that no difficulty can stand in the way of finding the gold within ourselves.
The central concepts that KSR stems from are:
Wabi-sabi, which highlights beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and letting go of the past. It emphasizes the transient nature of all things and transforms flaws into unique features that enhance the beauty and value of the bearer.
Mushin, meaning “no mind,” refers to the peace that comes from accepting change within the soul, signifying acceptance of life’s twists and turns without anxiety or judgment, while embracing the present moment.
Some faith-based interpretations see Kintsugi as a metaphor for divine healing and grace, where a higher power mends shattered souls. In this view, the golden lines represent resilience and redemption, while the light shining through the cracks symbolizes divine love, uniting one whole again.
Amazingly, everyone recognizes its power.
