Golden Touch: The Art of Mending Ceramics with Pure Gold

In a small room in Ho Chi Minh City, a quiet artistry unfolds, breathing new life into forgotten ceramics. Nguyen Le Uyen Vien, a master craftsman, practices a unique form of restoration inspired by Japan's Kintsugi technique. He doesn't merely fix broken pottery; he resurrects memories, using pure gold to mend the fractures in cherished tea sets and other ceramic pieces. This meticulous process, which takes considerable time and skill, transforms perceived flaws into unique, golden seams, celebrating the object's history and the stories it holds.

“

There are items I accidentally dropped and broke, and I felt such regret. Not because of the money, but because of the memories.

For Vien, who has collected tea ware for over 30 years, the value of these items transcends monetary worth. He understands the deep emotional connection people have with their belongings, especially those passed down through generations. Witnessing the often crude and uninspired repairs offered by traditional shops, Vien felt compelled to find a more respectful and artistic method. His discovery of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, resonated deeply. The philosophy—that the breakage and repair are part of the object's history, not something to disguise—aligns perfectly with his own appreciation for the narrative embedded in each piece.

“

The repairman doesn't drink tea and doesn't understand tea ware. They just fix it so it can be used, but they can't preserve the soul.

While embracing the Kintsugi philosophy, Vien has adapted the technique to suit Vietnamese conditions and user habits. He uses health-safe adhesives instead of traditional Japanese lacquer and sources gold leaf from various origins, each offering a distinct hue and finish. This adaptation ensures that the repaired items are not only beautiful but also practical for daily use. The Thanh Niên newspaper is proud to highlight artisans like Vien, whose dedication to preserving cultural heritage and emotional legacies through such intricate crafts enriches Vietnam's artistic landscape. His work reminds us that broken objects, much like memories, can be mended and made even more beautiful, holding onto their past while embracing a golden future.

“

That is, instead of hiding the flaw, we make it beautiful.