The ancient Chinese had a practice of embellishing the cracked parts of valued possessions with gold leaf, which says: We dishonor it if we pretend that it hadn't gotten broken. It says: We value this enough to repair it. So it is not denial or a cover-up. It is the opposite, an adornment of the break with gold leaf, which draws the cracks into greater prominence. The gold leaf becomes part of its beauty.
The ancient Chinese tradition of repairing broken items with gold leaf highlights a profound appreciation for imperfection. Instead of hiding the damage, this practice embraces it, signifying that the object is cherished enough to be restored. By applying gold leaf to the cracks, they transform flaws into an integral part of the object's beauty, rather than masking the evidence of wear and tear.
This artistic approach conveys a powerful message: acknowledging and celebrating imperfections can elevate the value of an item. It illustrates that true beauty often lies in the stories and experiences an object carries, demonstrating resilience and the journey it has undergone. This perspective encourages acceptance of flaws in our own lives, viewing them not as shortcomings but as valuable parts of our personal narratives.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
