The Japanese arts of kintsugi and sashiko have permeated pop culture and fashion, from the kintsugi repairs on Kylo Ren’s helmet in The Last Skywalker in to the sashiko patches on Y3 sneakers and Valentino jeans. Their beauty is the obvious draw, but the philosophy behind these arts also resonates. After all, kintsugi, sashiko, and Chinese ju ci don’t erase or minimize damage to the original. Instead, cracked ceramics, frayed fabric, and split wood become inspiration, each an unexpected opportunity to enhance the original. The undulating golden lines of kintsugi highlight where a bowl shattered. The intricate patchwork of sashiko draw the eye to where the fabric ripped, replacing it with meaningful symbols like waves or flowers. In the arts of repair, the intersection of art, beauty, and destruction becomes uniquely compelling.
Kintsugi, or golden joinery, is probably the most famous of the bunch. It’s no wonder it took hold of the popular imagination as an evocative representation of renewal. Like a glamorous scar, the golden lines that typify kintsugi trace the lines of broken pottery. These lines are created by urushi, lacquer mixed with gold powder or other precious metals, to highlight where the cracks were formed. The color and luster of gold elevates the object into a refined work of art.
Kintsugi is still practiced today, but it has also been reimagined by contemporary artists like Brian Stanziale of the bms. For his collaborative collection with PAGODA RED, Stanziale took a Qing-dynasty low stool, once used by a shoemaker, and embellished it with brass tacks that wrap around the surface. Like a repaired vase, the stool has been given new life as a sculpture or display stand.
A less well-known, but still compelling form of ceramics repair is ju ci, the Chinese technique of repairing with iron staples. Ju ci requires both a steady hand and immense skill. First, the broken pieces are tied together and drilled with small holes on either side of the break. Softened by heat, metal staples are then inserted through the holes and bent into place, contracting as they cool to unite the broken shards into a cohesive whole. We love the juxtaposition of the iron lines and delicate ceramics, and also find it to be a lovely reminder of patience.
While ju ci was commonly used to repair ceramics, it could also be applied decoratively. On this provincial rice measure, the ju ci technique creates a pattern along all edges, as well as providing reinforcement. While this square container was made over a hundred years ago to measure and hold a dou of rice, the iron craftwork gives it a surprisingly modern edge.
Iron staples were ideal for ceramics and provincial workaday objects, but refined furniture required more elegant solutions. This c.1850 pearwood altar table is one of the most luxurious example of mending we’ve seen. The long table has a solid plank top with spiral-form everted ends, shaped to resemble swirling clouds or furled up scrolls. These clouds are echoed in the inlaid repairs across the top that hint at the table’s many past lives. It’s a woodworking version of sashiko, the denim repair art that evolved during the Edo dynasty. In sashiko (which means “little stabs”), intricate stitchwork is used to patch fabric, while adding auspicious symbols to the clothing. For this outstanding altar table, an artisan carved wood “patches” of clouds, ripe peaches, and vases with flowers. A step beyond restoration, these auspicious symbols imbue the table with blessings of luck and prosperity.
Our custom reclaimed waterfall tables draw inspiration from these traditional arts. Each one is made of Qing-era elm wood, sourced by Betsy Nathan and crafted by a Chicago artist who specializes in traditional carpentry methods. To complement the rich texture of the reclaimed boards, the artist patches any natural splits with handcrafted butterfly ties, sometimes called bow ties. These wonderful details are the perfect marriage of form and function, adding artful geometric shape and stability to each table.
In an era of mass consumerism and quick fixes, quality craftsmanship is a true luxury. The Chinese and Japanese arts of repair take it to great heights, replacing wastefulness with beauty, mindfulness, and an undercurrent of rich philosophy.
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