<
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/feb/26/japanese-repair-crafts-kintsugi-sashiko-boro-kumiko>
"In the US, a broken cup goes in the trash. A ripped shirt gets donated or
discarded. Damaged objects are useless, disposable.
But in Japan, a different worldview has taken root. “Choosing to repair is not
simply sustainable, it is philosophical,” says Atsushi Futatsuya, a
sashiko
practitioner who mends clothing using bold, visible patterns. “It is a decision
to remain in relationship with objects, even after they show signs of wear,
when many would consider them to have reached the end of their usefulness.”
Repair can be artful, imperfection beautiful. Things we own can accumulate
their own history, becoming more treasured with every chip and scratch, rather
than losing value.
I first encountered this perspective when I was reviewing sustainable gift
ideas and dabbled with a
kintsugi kit, learning to fix broken ceramics using
urushi resin and gold dust. My results are … a work in progress, but as
someone who spends most of his time in front of a screen, it felt satisfying to
craft something with heft and permanence.
So I kept learning, and sought out other Japanese crafts that don’t teach you
to hide damage, but to honor it. I spoke with expert practitioners, and found
kits that offer an accessible entry point, making it possible to try these
techniques at home.
Dig out those old jeans and give these a try. You won’t master them in a
weekend, but that’s kind of the point."
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
