Sustainability Through the Art of Kintsugi: Rather than Discarding Broken Items, Consider Fixing, Reusing, and Enjoying Them

What happens when a vase breaks, when there’s a rip in your clothing, or you find artwork that has torn edges?

Many of us would consider discarding the items, especially if we are actively decluttering, organizing, or downsizing. And in some cases, if you no longer use, need or like an item, it may be time for it to go.

However, when items can be reused, the Japanese have a concept called Kintsugi which celebrates the art of repairing broken items so that they can be enjoyed once again.

Kintsugi, or “the golden repair” has been popularized by the example of a cracked vase that gets repaired using precious metals like gold and silver. With its faults, flaws, and cracks fully exposed, the belief is that imperfection is a virtue and things can be more beautiful having been broken.

Kintsugi also supports the conviction that sustainability is a responsibility we all carry and by reusing what we already own, we waste less and reduce what goes into landfill.

Here are three ways to employ Kintsugi in your home:

Home Décor (mirror, bowl, artwork)

Repair or re-configure broken or damaged items (either yourself or outsourced), and re-introduce them, embracing the “broken-ness” as a distinctive feature.

Ex: Damaged painting into a new collage, cracked mirror with new designs.

Wardrobe (clothing, accessories, etc.)

When you have clothing that you like but no longer fits or is damaged, rather than discard it, consider re-sizing or re-purposing it.

Ex: Bridesmaid’s dress into a skirt, old t-shirts into a patchwork scarf?

Keepsakes (photos, letters, certificates, coins, frames, etc.)

Applying Kintsugi to older, more fragile memorabilia often means adding character, personalization, and value to the items.

Ex: Old photos with coloured tape in a photo book, a cracked frame filled with old letters.

Through the Japanese art of Kintsugi, we have an opportunity to be more intentional about what we consume, keep, and discard. By repairing or repurposing items we already own, and proudly displaying them despite their flaws and imperfections, we reduce waste and expand our appreciation of beauty.

If you are downsizing and looking for advice on what to keep and possibly fix, we can help. Contact us today and let’s see how you can add more beauty and sustainability to your life.