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 this centuries-old tradition alive. The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 was a pivotal moment, as many sought to repair cherished items damaged in the disaster. This surge in demand inspired her to teach others, ensuring that the art and its philosophy of resilience would continue to flourish.

In 2021, Furuya Yoko founded the International Kintsugi Association to expand the reach of kintsugi, bridging the past and present to create a future where the beauty of imperfection is celebrated globally.

The Philosophy of Kintsugi

Kintsugi embodies the profound Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in impermanence and imperfection. For Furuya Yoko, kintsugi is more than a method of repair—it is a meditation on resilience and renewal.

Rather than hiding flaws, kintsugi highlights them with shimmering gold or silver, transforming cracks into unique features that tell a story of survival. Furuya Yoko’s work invites us to see brokenness not as a failure but as a source of strength, offering lessons in embracing imperfections in both objects and ourselves.

Sharing the Art with the World

Furuya Yoko’s dedication to kintsugi has brought her creations to prestigious galleries and exhibitions across Japan:

  • Tokyo, Otowa Gallery (May 2024)
  • Shizuoka, Gallery Ri Kasho (March 2024)
  • Yamanashi, Gallery Abend (September 2023)
  • Kofu City Fujimura Memorial Hall (December 2018)

Her work extends beyond traditional pottery repair, inspiring collaborations with jewelry designers, interior decorators, and architectural firms, showcasing the timeless relevance of kintsugi in modern art and design.

Furuya Yoko has also authored the book Kintsugi: Invitation to the Handwork of Kintsugi (Mending with Gold) for Beginners, making this transformative art accessible to those eager to explore its beauty.

Sustainability Through Repair

In a world driven by disposability, Furuya Yoko advocates for mindful consumption through the art of kintsugi. Using lacquer, a natural material revered in Japan for its strength and beauty, she demonstrates the value of repair over replacement.

By restoring broken items, kintsugi not only preserves their function and beauty but also promotes sustainability. Furuya Yoko’s philosophy encourages us to cherish what we have, reducing waste while honoring the craftsmanship and stories embedded in our belongings.

Passing on the Legacy

Through the International Kintsugi Association, Furuya Yoko ensures that kintsugi thrives in the hands of future generations. Her outreach spans workshops, lectures, and classes that teach not just the technique but also the philosophy of kintsugi.

The association serves as a global hub for preserving traditional lacquer repair methods and fostering appreciation for this remarkable craft. Furuya Yoko’s vision is one of continuity—passing on not just a skill but a mindset that values resilience, sustainability, and beauty in imperfection.

A Message of Hope and Renewal

For Furuya Yoko, kintsugi is a way of life. It teaches us that what is broken can be made whole again, that scars can be beautiful, and that imperfection is not a flaw but a story worth celebrating. Her artistry serves as a reminder that even in times of loss and damage, there is an opportunity for transformation.

As Furuya Yoko continues to share her mastery and philosophy, she bridges the past with the present, ensuring that the timeless beauty of kintsugi will inspire future generations. Through her work, she shows us how to slow down, honor the imperfect, and create a more harmonious and meaningful life.

In a world that moves too fast, Furuya Yoko’s kintsugi offers a moment of reflection—a way to cherish what we have, mend what is broken, and find beauty in every crack and flaw. Her legacy reminds us that resilience is a form of art and that life’s imperfections are its most profound treasures.

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