Design Trend: The Art of Kintsugi
Embracing Imperfection and Creating Beauty
Our latest luxury real estate design feature is Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and powdered gold or pigment. This art form highlights the imperfections and transforms a broken piece of pottery into something new. The term “kintsugi” comes from the Japanese words for golden (kin) and repair (tsugi), and it dates back to the 15th century.
The Philosophy Behind Kintsugi
Kintsugi is not just about mending broken objects; it embodies deep philosophical beliefs. Kintsugi combines the feng shui concept that broken items need to be repaired and the wabi-sabi idea that imperfection is perfectly fine. The result is a powerful concept that broken is still beautiful and valuable.
Practical Applications of Kintsugi
Upcycling furnishings and artwork in the home has long been in practice but has gained popularity in recent years thanks to growing interest in sustainability within real estate. Transforming broken furniture into usable, new creations that radiate creativity and character is the essence of wabi-sabi.
Kintsugi can also be approximated in other forms, such as veins snaking along a stone sink or countertop or purposeful lines decorating wallpaper, mimicking broken pottery that has been mended.
The Appeal of Kintsugi
The benefits of kintsugi are plenty. Repairing items instead of replacing benefits not only your bank account but adds character as well, with a focus on accepting rather than trying to impress. Kintsugi also serves as a way to respect an object as a representation or memory of loved ones or experiences. Embracing broken also frees us from expectations and reminds us that it’s ok to cherish what we have.
Using Kintsugi in the Home
If you’re interested in trying kintsugi, it’s important to learn the craft or find a professional who can. Ceramic items make great decorations, statement pieces, or tabletops. If using dishes, however, it’s best not to use for food as the lacquer applications aren’t always safe for food consumption. Kintsugi can create beautiful artwork or it can be used as inspiration throughout the home on materials such as floors, counters, accents, and more to create an ambiance of simple luxury.
Kintsugi is more than just a repair technique; it’s an art form that teaches us to embrace imperfection and find beauty in the broken. It’s a philosophy that encourages us to appreciate the history and stories behind our cherished items, transforming them into unique pieces of art.
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