‘Illumination’
‘Kintsugi’ (golden joinery) is the japanese art of filling cracks in broken pottery with a mixture of lacquer and powdered gold. In the late 15th century Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a broken tea bowl back for repairs. The ceramic bowl was returned with (aesthetically unpleasant) metal staples. Unsatisfied with the repair, Ashikaga has been attributed to filling the cracks with a beautiful gold lacquer. And voila.. the art of kintsugi is born.
I think of how beautiful this concept is when speaking to the human experience. It creates a more loving lens through which a (perceived) wound, or breakage can be seen, and also treated. There is compassion offered… as the repair becomes part of an experienced history, creating expanded awareness, rather than an aspect to disguise along with collapsing in shame.
The repair is literally illuminated. When a recognition can be owned, and held within illumination is ultimately beautiful to experience.
“Ring the bells that still can ring
~Leonard Cohen (Anthem)
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
All humans are subject to the vicissitudes (I love that word) of existence over time, which tends to manifest through breakage.
Can we view our ‘flaws’, the shattered pieces (within others as well as ourselves) with more compassion and grace?
Can we intentionally layer on that sovereign perspective that, by birthright, is available to each of us?
Can we all take up the art of kintsugi, even if it’s exercised through perspective alone?
That’s my constant practice and prayer.
With all the love,
Ashley England
The Bracelet
My intention is that you wear this bracelet, as a personal reminder of the beauty contained within your perceived cracks. My hope is that upon glancing at the gold beads interwoven throughout, you feel called to exercise a softening… to hold yourself with all the love and compassion your lived experience deserves. (And to practice extending that kindness and grace to others as well).
Your bracelet is unique, a one-of-a-kind creation, just like you.
Handmade and one of a kind. Colors and stones may vary.
A gem card listing the stones in your bracelet and their meanings comes with your purchase.
