Kintsugi

Definition

The Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powder of a precious metal. The repair is seen as part of the object's delightful history and not something to hide.

Origin

From the Japanese _kintsugi, _“golden seams”, or kintsukuroi, “golden repair”, and dates to the 15th century Japan, where artisans began using lacquer and gold pigment to put shattered vessels back together. (source)

Everyday Use

There are objects and systems all around us that bear the seams and stitches of a world that is constantly in repair — from sewn on buttons to duct taped bookshelves to the scars we have from our wilder youths. It's not that 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger', but rather that our objects and selves are made more unique, resilient, and delightful through our care.