The Japanese art of fixing broken pottery - BBC REEL

Japan’s ancient art of celebrating broken pottery is rooted in an eastern philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. Many believe it can help us to accept our flaws – and foster a sense of peace and fulfilment.

Video by Terushi Sho
Executive Producer: Camelia Sadeghzadeh

#bbcreel #bbc #bbcnews

[Aspett]

I was lucky enough to be able to take an afternoon class with master Kiyokawa and his amazing apprentice in his Kyoto workshop a couple of years ago. It was a precious and rare experience to be able to receive what they were so kind to share with us.

[Raveena]

What a beautiful concept that represents all things; the process of being broken and then born anew to become stronger and even more beautiful.

[jannelaineeleodinmuo]

"Try not to hide what you've gone through and your history, even if it was a big accident."
I love this, and it makes me think so much about plastic surgery and other things people go through to hide themselves of their history

[TrinaMCay]

This is not just fixing broken pottery, yet it's more on treating our failures and uncertainties in our lives positively!!!! Awesome!!! Thanks BBC

[vanessamaecarpio]

"All of us develop scars throughout our lives. But these scars should never be hidden. Our imperfections can be the birth of something new."
Kintsugi is my absolute favorite art form since I cover lots of topics about the importance of mental health and self-improvement. Wish I could practice this one day soon.

[SupBro-wwgo]

This is how I view my past, yes I was broken, yes I have scars, but now I embrace my flaws

[hoorayitsjackie]

I’ve known about kintsugi for a bit, but this vid had me in tears. The part about the lacquer having to harden before you can put gold on it really got to me. It really does take time. Y’all out here really making me cry on my lunch break while I’m just trying to eat my crackers. 🖤

[marilondon]

This five minute video provides so many life lessons. Let's embrace yourself even your flaws because they are also part of you and your life history. Thank you.

[paranoidhumanoid]

Some of the ceramics -- especially the black glazed ceramics -- look even better with the gold compound!

[paisley]

I love the philosophy of fixing the 'cracked pots' :) it gives me a good feeling to restore something to make it re-usable and rejuvenated, while not hiding it's past.

[erickl]

The art of perfecting imperfections. Somehow I feel very hopeful that this is happening somewhere in the world.

[deeptirabha]

It's such an extraordinary art tradition, very noble! I'm very impressed with this episode of BBC!
And more impressed by this Japanese tradition/art!!
LASTLY OMG, HE IS QUITE A HANDSOME MAN!! 🙏🏼

[LetMeThink]

I have always loved this concept and aesthetic of Kintsugi and Wabi-Sabi. Very grateful for what it has taught me 🙏

[PanduPoluan]

When imperfection brings something to perfection.

So many wise words. This video has been a blessing.

[Feeluck]

this is such a beautiful way to look at life and the things that surround us. its a good thing to be aware of the little things. there is beauty in everything.
i love that they do not hide the 'scars' but even highlight them as part of the item's history.

[dianegraham]

Beautiful Country, people, and art! My first international trip from Kansas City back in the day was to Japan. I was treated so well--the first of many amazing experiences there.

[深川恋太郎]

I would like to say to the BBC and other western TV stations and other video creators. Please don't lump the "East" together. Japan, China, Korea and Thailand are totally different countries. Vietnam and Cambodia are also different. They have completely different languages and cultures.
When selecting background music, it is very foolish to choose the erhu instrument based on a broad idea of "oriental". There is no erhu in Japan. Also, its melody is not a Japanese melody.
It is inevitable that there are many creators who are easygoing and unlearned, but they also need to be checked by their bosses and pointed out by the audience.

[lothean]

I did the same thing when I broke a precious star trek plate; but I used super glue. Though you can see the crack at the right angle, its still something I did not want to trash.

[akinasukizakura]

外山滋比古『リンゴも人生も傷があるほど甘くなる』
傷がある林檎はもっと美味しくなろうと、より一層努力する。

[yellobird]

Kintsugi, which uses lacquer and gold dust to restore vessels, is a traditional technique that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times.

Kintsugi is a practical technique for repairing broken vessels. In fact, lacquer is used to connect pieces, so gold is a decorative item that enhances the appearance. And since it is gold powder, it is not expensive.

In the days when there weren't many things, the idea of ​​"repairing broken things and using them again" was the norm.
The Japanese value that "things have their soul" born from Zen, Shinto, and Buddhism is important, and then the wonderful technique of "Kanatsugi" appears.

Kintsugi was evaluated as art during the Muromachi period, including the Sengoku period (civil war). The concept of Wabisabi was completed around this time.

So, recently, there are people who intentionally break vessels to make Kintsugi, which is completely different from the idea of ​​Kintsugi. The most important thing is to use each vessel carefully.