Furuya Yoko: Reviving Kintsugi, the Art of Embracing Imperfection
In a world where speed and perfection often overshadow mindfulness and preservation, Furuya Yoko (古屋容子) stands as a beacon of tradition and resilience. As a celebrated kintsugi master and founder of the International Kintsugi Association , Furuya Yoko has dedicated nearly two decades to reviving and sharing the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi. Through her work, she demonstrates that beauty lies not in flawless perfection but in the stories that cracks and imperfections tell. A Journey Into Tradition The journey of Furuya Yoko began in 2005, under the mentorship of the esteemed maki-e master Makoto Koike , where she immersed herself in the intricate techniques of lacquer art, maki-e, and kintsugi. Captivated by the transformative power of kintsugi—repairing broken pottery using lacquer and powdered gold, silver, or platinum—she embraced it as both an art form and a philosophy. In 2009, Furuya Yoko began her practice as a kintsugi master, marking the start of her mission to keep...