Amid Kolkata's growing appetite for hands-on experiences, participants gathered at the Calcutta Times Life.Styled Club's Kintsugi workshop in partnership with Small World last weekend. Rooted in the philosophy of embracing imperfections, the ancient Japanese art form restores broken ceramics with golden lacquer, transforming fractured pieces into keepsakes.
Turning Scars into Beautiful Stories
The philosophy of Kintsugi resonated with participants, many of whom found meaning beyond the act of repairing broken ceramics. Sneha Dasgupta, a student who had long wanted to try the Japanese art form, described piecing together shattered fragments as "the most gratifying part" of the workshop. Reflecting on the experience, she said, "You cannot fix everything in your life, so that's the whole point of it." Content creator Sristi Pradhan viewed Kintsugi as both a creative exercise and a personal metaphor, noting that its significance depends on the individual engaging with it. For facilitator Sreya Biswas, who has been conducting Kintsugi workshops for over a year, that personal connection is what makes the experience special. "People come for the art, but they fix a part of themselves," she said. "They go back feeling wholesome, as if they've repaired not just a bowl, but something within," she added, explaining why the centuries-old practice continues to resonate with audiences.
A Shared Experience
For many attendees, the workshop offered more than just a creative outlet. IT professional Payel Roy Barman, who returned to Kolkata after living abroad, said she joined such activities to build social connections in the city. Student Sreya Biswas was drawn in by social media posts and the opportunity to meet like-minded people. "The sense of community was quite appealing to me," she said. Participants also discovered that Kintsugi demanded patience despite its seemingly simple appearance.
Participants said the process of breaking the bowls felt cathartic. Attendees displayed their bowls embellished with golden seams at the end of the workshop.
What is Life.Styled Club
Life.Styled Club is a curated community for those who don't simply follow a lifestyle but craft one of their own. The club promises a series of exclusive experiences for Kolkata's audiences.
Event Partner courtesy: Small World
Location courtesy: Bunosilo Artisanal, Saltlake
