Home / Art

Artist Uses Japanese Art of Kintsugi to Turn Cracked Eggshells into Delicate Works of Art

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Translated to “golden joinery,” Kintsugi is the art of repairing cracked pottery with glistening seams of gold. Though the practice dates back to the 15th century, contemporary artists are constantly finding new ways to reimagine the centuries-old craft, from pieced-together pavements to patchwork chopstick holders. One adaptation that captures the symbolic spirit of the practice is Kintsugi Eggshells, an ongoing collection of exquisite installations by Elisa Sheehan.

Sheehan describes this series as “a visual representation of imperfection as a true value and where flaws are celebrated and viewed as beautiful.” In order to showcase the shells' underlying beauty, she covers them in delicate washes of paint and abstract ink forms. She then carefully coats any cracks or flaws with gold leaf, which both mends the delicate shells and, most importantly, emphasizes the presence of their imperfections.

To Sheehan, this symbolism transcends the eggshells existence. In fact, she believes that it is equally applicable to our own lives—an idea that is at the core of her Kintsugi Eggshells practice. “I’ve always loved the Japanese art of Kintsugi, “she says, “wherein broken pottery is repaired with gold and rather than trying to disguise the break or flaw, it is highlighted and therefore elevated to a status of beauty. Its age is celebrated, its history is seen, its flaws are revered. I think it’s a good way to think about ourselves, others and our relationships as we age – not to try to look like our former, younger selves but to embrace our ‘breaks and flaws' and to honor them and see the beauty in them.”

While crafting these shells started as “a small meditative warm-up” for Sheehan, it has since become a major part of her artistic practice. If you'd like to purchase a Kintsugi Eggshell—or paintings and prints—stop by her online shop.

Artist Elisa Sheehan creates exquisite eggshell art.

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

She uses an approach inspired by Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery, to create the exquisite installations.

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Sheehan uses gold leaf to accentuate the eggshells' cracks.

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

This results in beautiful Kintsugi Eggshells that celebrate imperfection.

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Contemporary Kintsugi Eggshells Kintsugi Eggs Elisa Sheehan

Elisa Sheehan: Website | Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Elisa Sheehan.

Related Articles:

Wabi-Sabi: The Japanese Art of Finding Beauty in Imperfect Ceramics

Kintsugi-Inspired Tableware Fuses Broken Dishes With 24-Karat Gold “Glue”

Beautiful Easter Eggs Hand-Painted with Colorful Folk Art Illustrations

35+ Creative Designs That Turn Ordinary Eggs into Eggs-traordinary Art

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content