Imperfect & Beautiful: bud vase

“Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.” 

― Brené Brown, The Gift of Imperfection

This style is inspired by the combined traditions of kintsugi, and Sakura in Japan. Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, and therefore imparting more value onto something that has been broken, not less. I’ve always been inspired by that message and created this design to reflect the idea of healed over cracks using the branch of a cherry tree. Sakura (cherry blossoms) symbolize renewal and future happiness, as well as remind us of the fleeting nature of life. Each vase is made from porcelain that I threw on the potter's wheel. I mixed pink stain into porcelain slip to create the pale pink Sakura blossoms, and hand carved the branches. Then I cleaned each vase and bisque fired them. After the bisque fire I clean each vase and glaze with a glossy clear. Lastly, after the glaze firing I hand paint 23k gold luster on the branches and pearl luster on the Sakura blossoms and fire one final time to create these stunning bud vases. I personally kept one and I have it on my windowsill in front of my kitchen sink, and I add a few flowers from my garden to enjoy. I love to have little pretty things scattered around to bring me joy. I hope you will too! 

- 3.5" high 2.5" wide 1" at lip

- durable American porcelain

- 23k gold luster