The Rebirth of Beauty: Applying the Japanese Kintsugi Philosophy and Technique in Contemporary Ceramic Art

บทคัดย่อ

The research has three main objectives: 1) to study the meaning and concept of Kintsugi, exploring both its repairing technique and its underlying philosophy of imperfection. 2) to examine how the repairing process can transform broken fragments into aesthetic value within contemporary ceramic art. 3) to integrate the philosophy and technique of Kintsugi into the design and creation of contemporary ceramic artworks.

The research results were found as follows: 1) The study found that Kintsugi embodies both a repairing technique and a philosophy of imperfection and renewal, reflecting the essence of Zen aesthetics and Wabi-Sabi. 2) The repairing process was found to transform broken fragments into new aesthetic and emotional value, where the visible golden seams symbolize healing, resilience, and mindfulness in creation. 3) Integrating Kintsugi’s philosophy and technique into contemporary ceramic design resulted in a new artistic language that celebrates imperfection and redefines beauty as transformation and continuity. The repaired pottery reflects the philosophy that peace arises from accepting imperfections rather than avoiding suffering. The ceramic practice thus becomes a mirror reflecting inner consciousness, with each repaired crack representing a journey of self-understanding and reconciliation between vulnerability and strength.

The research concludes that Kintsugi represents more than a repairing technique. It embodies a philosophy of acceptance and transformation. Through studio-based experimentation, the repairing process was discovered to transform broken fragments into new aesthetic and emotional value, where golden seams symbolize resilience, healing, and renewal. By integrating Kintsugi’s philosophy and technique into contemporary ceramic creation, the study developed a new artistic language that celebrates imperfection and redefines beauty as harmony born from fragility and change.