Published March 22, 2024

Kintsugi: The Japanese Art That Turns Brokenness into Beautiful Home Decor (and Life Lessons)

Written by Paula Burrows

Kintsugi: The Japanese Art That Turns Brokenness into Beautiful Home Decor (and Life Lessons) header image.

We've all had that moment: A beloved vase slips, a tile in the bathroom cracks, or a favorite mug breaks. Most of us would try to hide the damage or toss the mug altogether. But what if there was a way to make it even more unique and precious? Kintsugi, a centuries-old Japanese art form, offers exactly that.

Bowl with a golden ointment for the art of kintsugi.

What is Kintsugi and Why Does It Matter?

Kintsugi(meaning "golden joinery") is the practice of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than disguising imperfections, Kintsugi celebrates the object's history, transforming its scars into stunning lines of shimmering beauty.

This technique carries deep philosophical meaning:

Resilience and Transformation: Our past breaks, mistakes, and challenges don't have to define us. We can choose to heal and find strength in our scars.
Wabi-Sabi: This Japanese aesthetic celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Kintsugi emphasizes finding value in the unique marks of time and experience.
Mindfulness and Appreciation: Kintsugi reminds us to be present, find value in what we have, and appreciate an object's entire journey.

Antique broken Japanese tea matcha bowl repaired with gold kintsugi technique

Kintsugi Home Decor: Imperfection as Inspiration

Bring the beauty and philosophy of Kintsugi into your home to create spaces that tell a story:

Kintsugi Planters & Vases: Don't hide those chipped planters. Repair cracks with gold-dusted epoxy and give them a new lease on life.
Decorative Bowls & Trays: Turn a collection of mismatched or slightly damaged bowls into a Kintsugi-inspired display. Play with different metallic colors for added effect.
Kintsugi-Inspired Furniture: Upcycle a cherished but scratched table or chair by filling in the imperfections with gold resin. Your piece will be uniquely yours!
Statement Accent Walls: Create a stunning accent wall with intentionally broken tiles, repaired with a gleaming Kintsugi effect.
Themed Decor: Source Kintsugi-inspired artwork, textiles, and smaller decorative pieces to reinforce the theme throughout your home.

a bathroom with kintsugi inspired stone wall and wooden ceiling

Where to Buy Kintsugi and Kintsugi-Inspired Home Decor

Etsy: Etsy is a treasure trove of unique Kintsugi-style pieces created by independent artists. Search "Kintsugi" to explore.

Kintsugi Specialists: Stores like Kintsugi Generations offer authentic Kintsugi pieces and DIY kits.

Specialty Home Décor Stores: Some niche home décor stores or those specializing in Japanese aesthetics might carry Kintsugi bowls, vases, and decorative items.

Museum Shops: Museums featuring Asian art collections sometimes have Kintsugi pieces or Kintsugi-inspired items in their gift shops.

Amazon: You can find a selection of Kintsugi kits and some Kintsugi-inspired décor on Amazon.

An illustration of Kintsugi, the centuries-old tradition of mending broken ceramics with gold.

DIY Kintsugi: A Mindful Project

Beginner Kits: Try a simplified Kintsugi repair kit from retailers like Etsy or Amazon. Look for kits that use epoxy resin with metallic powders.

Kintsugi-Inspired Crafts: Adapt the concept by using gold paint, leafing, or metallic markers on picture frames, mirrors, or other objects.

Mindful Mending: Even if it's not true Kintsugi, the act of carefully repairing a loved object instills a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for what you own.

A pair of Kintsugi portrait young woman sculpture

Kintsugi as a Life Metaphor

The beauty of Kintsugi extends beyond décor. It invites us to:

Embrace Our "Flaws": Our imperfections are not weaknesses; they are part of our unique story.

Find Strength in Vulnerability: Our experiences shape us and make us resilient. Don't be afraid to let some of those "golden seams" show.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially during challenging times. Remember, healing takes time, and you are worthy even with your imperfections.

Kintsugi offers a beautiful lesson – our broken pieces don't diminish us; they can highlight our resilience and create unique beauty. Embrace the Kintsugi spirit in both your home décor and your life. Find strength in your imperfections and let the golden lines of your journey shine through.

Paula Burrows

MANAGING BROKER