The Spirituality of Kintsugi

As a philosophy, the Japanese art of kintsugi treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. Skilled craftsmanship is required in this technique, which uses lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered metals such as gold, silver, or platinum to repair areas of breakage in pottery or ceramics. Hiroki Kiyokawa is one such master, having apprenticed himself to a maki-e artist at a young age (a similar technique used in lacquer decoration). These traditional techniques have been practiced since the Edo period in Japan. With 45 years of experience as a restorer, Kiyokawa offers a fascinating look at this delicate and beautiful art.