The Japanese art of fixing broken pottery - BBC REEL

[@Aspett0]

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.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

That sounds like a really humbling and awesome experience. I so wish I could do that someday. As soon as I can ‘actually afford’ a trip to Japan, I definitely want to try and take in some of the craft scenes over there.❤️ It’s what draws my heart the most.

[@glorioskey]

Are you gonna do a video for us on what you learned?

[@ピザこそチーズそのもの]

いいね

[@dnishababin9904]

That had to be an awesome experience 💕 I’m thinking about taking a pottery class! This just speaks mounds into my life! I love Japanese pottery!

[@Kinsale1333]

I envy you...

[@0230Raveena]

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

[@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

[@Gma7788]

No, no, thank me!

[@jannelaineeleodinmuo2442]

"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

[@reivaxsplayground6086]

There's levels to that, plastic surgery is a legitimate way of improving people's self-esteem when it comes about repairing horrific accidents, which otherwise will make life unbearable for the victim. Also there’s nothing wrong with having plastic surgery for esthetic purposes, as long as you don't abuse of it. Even the people who follows Kintsugi philosophy uses makeup and perfume. Kintsugi is a beautiful philosophy of moving on and embracing the things you want to move on from and embrace to, certainly it shouldn't apply to EVERYTHING in life since there are always things we can't bargain with.

[@michaelmonkey6541]

Great point.....God bless you........

[@justindixon1586]

@@reivaxsplayground6086 agreed platstic surgery is great as long as you don’t overdue it

[@sheep1ewe]

I think he mainly refered to scars on the inside Scars on the outside is one thing, but scares on the soul are the hardest ones to heal.

[@Widdekuu91]

@@justindixon1586 I also think it matters who you're doing it for. I hear many people say; 'I was called an ugly man, when I was younger, because my nose is too big. Now, I am a wealthy woman and I want to change my nose, so that if they see me again, they will say; 'Wow, I was wrong about her nose, it is pretty now' and they can no longer say something nasty about it." Which I'd say is not a good reason. There was nothing wrong with your nose to begin with. Go find the bully that told you that, see if they are an adult now, with proper morals and if they are, ask again. They'll tell you that your nose was the most characteristic feature and that's why they chose to make fun of it. Zebra's have stripes, horses have none. Zebra's can tell horses they are too plain and horses can tell zebra's that they are ugly with stripes. Both will eventually believe that they are ugly and want each others appearance. That is not how it's supposed to be.

[@mari5london]

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.

[@hoorayitsjackie6166]

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. 🖤

[@Gma7788]

People DUMP miserable things onto other people. Just say NO! I won't take it from you! I broke lots of things today and now my goal is to get ahead of disaster again. It's a better location to be living at.

[@CeceKruchkoSmith]

Have you seen the Cracker Licker videos? I to was crying till I thought of Marc Headly the Cracker Licker 😂 I’m repairing the 70 year old coffee table my Dad made and now I know what to do with the cigarette burns and gouges. I’ll have to figure out applications for wood but inlay of gold and perhaps a jewel will make it a fine piece of art as it was the day my Dad gifted it to my Mom. Nice.

[@316lvmnoneofyourbusiness7]

This video resonated within me so much that I'm crying. I'm 1/2 Japanese born in Tokyo. My mother was full Japanese. I've never heard of this and watching this video made me realize that I live this way. All my life I've had people try to change me. Wear makeup, dye my hair, act this way or that, don't do this or that. I've been told so many times to do this or that, act this way or that, not worthy, a disappointment, wear makeup........ I've been broken into little pieces and big pieces almost all my life. And each time, I picked up the pieces and put them back together again. I always tell people that my face, my scars, wrinkles etc., tells the story of who I am. And now, I'm Oba-san and I will tell my grandson about not only my life, but the lives of those who've touched my heart and those that hurt. But most of all, love yourself.

[@LetMeThink007]

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

[@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.

[@paisley293]

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.

[@deeptirabha8886]

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!! 🙏🏼

[@celestialxamethyst2006]

He looks like the Japanese version of Alan Rickman (may he RIP) and Alan Rickman was a very handsome man as well.

[@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.

[@SupBro-ww9go]

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

[@lanietadegrecia145]

❤❤❤

[@paranoidhumanoid]

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

[@dianegraham4677]

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.

[@Gma7788]

The internet contradicts your fake story.

[@brianflynn5355]

@@Gma7788 You're a pathetic, lonely loser with an ugly heart & you know it. Lol

[@CrimsonAlchemist]

Japan has so many amazing inventions

[@mv11000]

I just love the BBC Reel vids concerning Japan. Such a fascinating culture and such excellent mini documentaries! I also remember the vid about the abacus, truly wonderful. Thank you!

[@stanschanuzer5875]

What a beautiful philosophy

[@PanduPoluan]

When imperfection brings something to perfection. So many wise words. This video has been a blessing.

[@thedavesavoie]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've seen in a long time. Learned so much watching it. Outstanding.

[@vibrantscolor]

It’s such a beautiful idea, calms the mind.

[@erickl2635]

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

[@Trund27]

This is beautiful.

[@tripleaaa6359]

"That’s how the lights gets in, then you’re golden"💛

[@terrancemoore8756]

Thank you for sharing this. This is the foundation of all life. One must learn to embrace it.

[@teamginger6359]

This is wonderful!! It's been on my mind to repair a vintage lamp that was sadly broken.....I can hardly wait to make it unique!! Thanks!

[@yellobird5682]

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.

[@hs-zd4ch]

I want to learn more about this since it sounds really interesting! A few months ago I picked up some of my pieces from a pottery class I was taking, and a bowl I made has a split down one side. I'm keeping it stored away for now while I'm not taking classes, but it would be cool to be able to do some sort of technique like this to fill it with the help of my teacher at some point! So strange how some people are breaking stuff on purpose to do it though.

[@alexontheedge]

So, if I could repair my favorite mug like this, I could still use it? Even with hot liquids?

[@Jen39x]

It’s interesting to wonder how the many devastating earthquakes that Japan has been through influence the culture. This is one of those ways.

[@abe_soul]

exactry yes

[@Budoshoha]

Such a beautiful video.

[@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。

[@iamchisenga]

This was one of the most beautiful videos I' have ever watched!❤❤wow such a powerful, beautiful message to be learnt. This tradition is amazing.

[@naturefrc3986]

I love the idea except for the tree part. Where is the lesson in that? Ending a tree's life so that u can repair an object or even "urself"? Even as broken it exists. And life is all about being broken. I dont believe that beauty could come from killing. Everytime id look at the object id think about how a tree died so that it could be restored, where even in pieces it had its unique beauty.

[@naturefrc3986]

@@apriloneil8393 that's what parasites do as well

[@OOOOOO-dx7zu]

​@@naturefrc3986 well this is still better than making new pottery which would kill even more plants. its not like this is an extremely popular art anyways. Also, whatever device you used to watch this, was made by killing trees and animals, as electronics use a lot of metals gold, lithium etc which leads to deforestation as they need to mine them. lets not be hypocrites here. we should try to use the philosophy of this art and try to fix and reuse things more. yes there is costs to that as well. but less so than making things anew

[@naturefrc3986]

@@OOOOOO-dx7zu i never claimed to stop using materials. But i always try and do it in the least harmful way. Like when i need wood i get thick brunches not trunks. Let a tree grow tall and old instead of cutting it while its still a child in tree years. And the devices i have are always the minimum that i require to function. I have bought only 2 phones in my life if u should know exactly because of that. Shall i go ahead and assume away like u did with me and claim that you possess a thousand of them then go to mommy and ask for more? As you can see assumptions are easy but a poor state of affairs for everyone involved.

[@OOOOOO-dx7zu]

@@naturefrc3986 it doesn't really matter how many devices u have used. Even though it is commendable that u have used far less. You said you try to minimize material use, so u should know that reusing things is best for the environment. That is all. When u buy new things it affects things in a much bigger level. Even if this art kills things (let's be honest almost everything does) it is still better than the alternative.

[@emarpistudios6632]

A life lesson on its own and a journey to such a highly valuable and powerful art by itself. Restoration as I see it have never been more impactful and in the process its also a transformation and a artist touch!

[@cynthiaaiken2424]

I never heard of this art before today. I’m sad for the things I’ve thrown away and happy for the things I’ve kept anyway.

[@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.

[@dionysos1]

ネトウヨ

[@moonbreath1637]

Interesting. While I enjoyed the documentary, the musical application felt conspicuously cliche. Perhaps even with an ignorant audience, lack of authenticity can show through.

[@Uyangauya]

That’s such an amazing point to be made!!!

[@MelliaBoomBot]

Thank you, it's respectful.

[@danitto3874]

MSM... what do you expect 😅

[@miriamminkoff]

What a beautifully done in-depth understanding. 🙏🏼

[@masser614]

🇯🇵日本の文化を記して下さりありがとうございます。

[@skyeldridge9018]

Translation :)

[@skrillex1124]

@@skyeldridge9018 translation : I'm glad you introduced me to Japanese culture, thank you.

[@brianflynn5355]

@@skrillex1124 You're wrong. He's Japanese, so he already knows what kintsugi is. He basically said "Thank you for introducing Japanese culture (to the world)".

[@rich-ard-style6996]

The pieces look even better with the repair crack. It is a very good Tradition.

[@paris2070]

Right video at the right time.

[@kimhonghou7123]

What an inspiring story! Thank you.

[@MrXerios]

That guy looks wise. I would love to listen to what he has to say, and not just about his craft.

[@lothean2099]

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.

[@GentlePace8]

Meaningful and healing tradition I adore 💖🌼

[@minutekanji7082]

I fell in love with this concept since the day I found it. I even did a little animation of the word 金継ぎ (kintsugi) ✨ because the word and writing is also beautiful

[@kayla-zp1bh]

watching this video comforts me in some type of way

[@chelseagirl278]

Breathtaking!

[@EmilynWood]

Broken things can be mended, and not only become more beautiful, but more valuable with the gold.

[@0HARE]

Thanks for a great episode. I so admire the Japanese culture, and this Kintsugi is a perfect example of a deeper philosophy of how to exist in the world.

[@3arcovich]

This is deeply moving and impactful. 🌅 Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@goombachoomba2689]

This is beautiful and sad at the same time

[@ashleyromero8941]

What a beautiful culture❤️

[@kritikashukla9937]

I came across this concept only yesterday while listening to Sunil Bhandari's Uncut Poetry on Spotify. This is such a beautiful take on life!

[@ヨンチェ]

オープニングの器が割れるシーンは、確かに印象的で興味を引くが、番組の内容を製作者が理解していれば、けっしてそんなオープニングは作らなかったと思う。 良い内容だけに残念。

[@elsaireland]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video🌷

[@HolisticDetective]

My dad was a potter, and he always used to say "It's good when people break pottery. Keeps me in business."

[@kristinamullen4066]

My dad was also a potter and sculptor.He used to break his own imperfect pieces by throwing them out the back door of his studio.

[@dickyahmad9281]

@@kristinamullen4066 what an amazing art

[@amida9195]

Everything is in circle 🌀🌞🌑🌍🌐🕒🍁🍀🦠🦗

[@izzy-ve1cd]

ohhh,so adorable! such a lovely memory,thanks for share,that's make my day ❤️

[@izzy-ve1cd]

@@jerichoares7178 why did u do that?

[@Billings933]

Cherish, love, restore and gratitude to the nature. We need this more in our life

[@mohitthapa2265]

The Japanese have a different way of looking at seemingly mundane things...

[@cicirosehannigan]

Which is why it's so interesting

[@Cipher422]

Agreed, especially in the fast paced current times that we live in where planned obsolescence and cheap disposables are the norm.

[@Flymoki13]

A lot of people used to, however unlike the japanese, they have lost too much old aestheticism approaches, hence why most of the modern world is running out of cultural identity

[@Amaleigh2024]

I actually made some watercolor pieces for my senior show gallery centered around kintsugi. One shows a bowl with the technique and a girl covered in scars from her depression. Another has a person covered in gold scars helping someone that isn't reattach her arm (land of the lustrous scene for reference) to show our past experiences can be used to help someone who may be going through what they went through.

[@ledholm]

Splendid! and greetings Japan.

[@susanfanning9480]

This is so healing. Wish I knew of it 30 years ago!

[@r8chlletters]

A beautiful zen practice 🤍

[@neliborba101]

I saw people giving their broken dishes and bowls to a man to fix them, but gold was not used. The idea of using gold in cracks is genius.

[@bethetruth6428]

Your philosophy and art is Heartwarming xoXOxo

[@garcybarcy9337]

Beauty in inperfection🙏 thank you arigato

[@songohan4668]

This is so deep.

[@lkmayhew9390]

Amazing!

[@MelliaBoomBot]

I love this, I see it as an elaboration of what I sense. I love broken things..when I buy things at second hand fairs I don't always notice the chip/crack etc but my other half does. This irritates me because I feel I must see the overall beauty of something without honing in on the usually small defect which I find could also be a metaphor for life...

[@jirom5176]

日本人の私が知らない世界でした… BBCさんありがとうございます✨

[@alistairmcelwee7467]

I have a few kintsygiJapanese bowls. I bought them when they were already kintsygi bowls, so I did not have a relationship with them beforehand but I still find them nourishing. The different levels of meaning of kintsugi seem most important to me.

[@MsTaLaiah]

Thank you, BBC.

[@Mostly_Relatable29]

Broken but Beautiful ..✨❤😍 We should consider this for ourselves when we feel broken .. We should embrace our imperfections and fall in love with flaws. ❤

[@Maxworld1982]

I still have my broken pottery of my childhood era and planned to make an talisman of it, but never done. Now my decision ist, to restore my pottery by that Kintsugi-Specialists in Japan in a time I will visit Japan in my life. After this and if somebody visits me, I will tell stories of my past and that I had discovered beautiful things that never came without the accident.

[@KaramAlouan-uj7ft]

Beautiful culture

[@judykatz6246]

THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO! THE JAPANESE CULTURE IS SO ARTISTIC - IN ALL ASPECTS! IT REMINDS ME OF THE AZTEC - OR MAYAN TRADITION- IN ALL THEIR POTTERY / ART THEY WOULD DELIBERATELY LEAVE A FLAW/ IMPERFECTION- TO SHOW THAT EVERYTHING CREATED BY A HUMAN IS IMPERFECT- THEIR BELIEF IS THAT ONLY GOD CAN CREATE PERFECTION- SO A HUMAN MUST NEVER STRIVE FOR PERFECTION- AS IT IS ONLY ATTAINABLE BY GOD- IT WOULD BE ARROGANT TO POINT OF PROFANITY FOR A HUMAN TO BELIEVE THEY COULD CREATE ANYTHING PERFECT.

[@CHIMOsan]

Japanese: It is important to use the pottery carefully. BBC: Break the pottery for just 5 seconds of this video.

[@melodia.pralki]

Perfect video to watch on 1st day of new year

[@BenjaminHari]

Such a beautiful wisdom from this craft that can be applied to our everyday life.

[@amylopez0324]

wow... he is so wise... 👏👏👏👏

[@watchgoose]

Leave it to the Japanese to think of such a thing. Wow.

[@user-dr5jv1wk4j]

Wonderful

[@landscapes4design]

We in the west would benefit from emulating the traditions of mending and preserving.

[@grittykitty50]

Denice, I thought about that too, but so many of our western goods are plastic. They are cheap, difficult to repair and made to be replaced frequently. Much of western culture is BUILT upon constant consumption

[@sallyransom1223]

I love this

[@lockedpermanently1097]

It would be incredible to aquire the patience by doing this ancient technique!

[@Orblinkluv]

Came here after Lana Del Rey's song. What a beautiful concept. I want to do this with the broken things in my home now

[@elzaaltmann]

Very unique concept.

[@Thepricefamilyrules]

I'm getting a Kintsugi heart tattoo today to celebrate surviving breast cancer.

[@user-eh1no3yc5v]

''And you will be reborn because of that accident''.

[@lornilula4213]

everything is an art in japan.

[@jeannickqualao9733]

Okay so for a nano second I thought this guy was Alan Rickman in the thumbnail

[@Trixims]

Came here to say this. He looks exactly like him. I was taken aback.

[@SnowOrchid5076_Illustrations]

same.

[@scruggsophelia]

Came here to make sure someone pointed this out.

[@celestialxamethyst2006]

I just commented this on another’s comment about how he was a handsome man (the Kintsugi man I mean). I said he looks like the Japanese version of Alan Rickman!

[@AllEyezOnMeTMC]

love this concept. i will give it a try.

[@andreaambrosini9711]

What a beautiful practice, that should be thaught in every school

[@cor3944]

A very goodlooking man. Thank you!

[@turbo_gaming_yt6519]

Mg University AEC english ,1st semester, 2nd module's unit 2 THE JAPANESE ART OF KINTSUGI 💓💓

[@MyPoetik]

Kinsugi 😍

[@Sickofitall-76]

This dude is the spitting image of a Japanese Severus Snape! Mr. Rickman lives on!

[@alisonbarlow7836]

This is a great lesson for real life.

[@merrylmarsh9037]

This is so beautiful 😊

[@kurodoku009]

[完璧]という概念が日本には元々無く、何事も[不完全]であることが前提であった。 そう考えると完成を求めて人は最後まで成長を続けられる。

[@Earthy-Artist]

Enjoyed this video 👍

[@vidushi1461]

My dude looks like a japanese alan rickman, and I love it

[@brianflynn5355]

I looked up Alan Rickman on google & yes, he does look like him! 😧

[@peckoltia31]

Thank you for focusing on wabisabi. But seems Japanese philosophy is difficult to westerners..

[@men_del12]

I think it's just a matter of perspective. But I'm sure there are westerners that open to those philosophy.

[@toms3967]

「あしらう」という言葉は翻訳が難しいねえ。日本人でも説明が難しいから。