Think aloud
Kintsugi tattoos are just something else. They honor the famous kintsugi art that doesn’t see flaws as something bad, but rather as something that is to celebrated.
If you like the sound of that, then these 20 designs of the imperfectly perfect should captivate you.
1. Kintsugi fox
This kintsugi tattoo depicts a sweet, wounded fox. It’s adorned with deep blue hues and floral patterns, while its wounds are decorated with gold.
It’s a shoulder piece that serves as a reminder that you should appreciate the imperfect beauty. Just because the fox isn’t as lively and wild as it used to be, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t honor her journey and see the wonders of it all.
2. Kintsugi crane
This is a forearm piece, displaying a crane tattoo in all its kintsugi glory. The bird isn’t as whole as it once was, but its “flaws” are adorned with gold, implying that they aren’t flaws at all.
It’s further decorated with lovely blue floral patterns that highlight the imperfections of the creature instead of hiding them because each part of who we are should be valued for what it is.
3. Kintsugi heart
It’s inevitable. Your heart gets broken at least once in this life. But does that mean you’re no longer capable or deserving of love?
This gorgeous black and gray piece is decorated with golden hues which signify the heart’s broken parts. They show you that no matter how much pain there is within you, it’s there only because you loved someone so much, and if that isn’t beautiful, then what is?
4. Kintsugi woman
Sometimes, there is so much grief in us that we feel like it’s flowing throughout your whole body. This emotion is represented in this lovely black and gray piece.
The purple flowers and gold are both associated with beauty, thus symbolizing that your sadness isn’t as unappealing as you might think. It’s just a part of your journey, one that led to major wisdom and character development, and most important of all, it isn’t all that you are!
5. Kintsugi vase
The concept of the Kintsugi art started with pottery. You don’t throw a broken vase away; you rather fill the broken parts with gold. And that’s how we’re here. A whole variety of beautiful ideas came forward, all aiming to inspire people to see beauty in imperfections.
This design is further enhanced with geometrical shapes that add some structure and intrigue to an overall sweet and meaningful tattoo.
6. Kintsugi wolf
This gorgeous color tattoo blends vibrant blue hues with gold. It’s an image of a roaring wolf, looking very realistic, and thus making you feel as if the creature is about to devour you.
It’s a bold tattoo that implies that even wild and dangerous animals, such as wolves, can be broken in a way. For example, they form strong bonds with their pack, and may exhibit unpredictable behavior if separated from that pack.
They may not feel loneliness the same way as we do, but the point still stands. All living things have a broken beauty about them.
7. Kintsugi tea cup
When a tea cup shatters, you don’t stop using it. You mend it, and it becomes more dear to you than ever. It’s the same with people.
Maybe you’re having problems in your relationship, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon your partner immediately. You fix the issue, and the bond between you gets stronger.
Allow this small tattoo to remind you of this beautiful truth.
8. Kintsugi fish
How about an ankle kintsugi tattoo? This one displays two fish swimming around each other, representing the connection between two beings.
Both show broken parts in different places, with the golden repairs symbolizing the strength and beauty of a relationship that goes through challenges, but still sticks together.
9. Kintsugi back
For a truly unique kintsugi tattoo, opt for this back piece. It displays reddish lines that extend over the back toward the shoulder, representing inner scars.
It’s a design that urges you to embrace yourself in your entirety. You aren’t lovable only when you’re happy and cheerful. Your sadness isn’t a burden.
10. Kintsugi dragon
What could be more intriguing than the image of a mighty dragon done with a kintsugi technique? Even the most powerful of creatures can be wounded, but that doesn’t make them lose their strength.
If anything, they become even more beautiful because they persist in fighting despite the wounds. So, if you like the idea of a bold tattoo with a beautiful meaning, this might be it.
11. Kintsugi snake
How about a striking snake tattoo that paralyzes you with its bright, realistic design? It’s actually a blackwork piece, adorned with delicate gold lines that represent the brokenness.
The kintsugi snake is placed on the shin, which makes it a truly bold and showy choice.
12. Kintsugi snow leopard
Snow leopards are solitary creatures. Due to this, they often represent the hidden aspects of our lives, whereas the kintsugi reveals these parts in order to celebrate them.
If you like the sound of that, this kintsugi tattoo might be an amazing choice for you!
13. Kintsugi moon
And here’s an adorable kintsugi moon tattoo. To make the whole image even cuter, a black cat is embracing the moon, and smiling in its sleep. The cat is painted in the striking dotwork, which adds some intensity to the design.
But all in all, it’s a tattoo that reminds you that you’re lovable despite your flaws. Don’t drive people away or assume you know what they think. Don’t be afraid. Allow them to love you.
14. Kintsugi ginkgo leaf
The ginkgo leaf is a famous symbol of unity and balance, perfectly aligning with the concept of kintsugi art.
Since it represents the connection between opposites, its meaning is only enhanced by the kintsugi’s tendency to honor the broken parts.
15. Kintsugi phoenix
This is a black and gray kintsugi tattoo, displaying the phoenix bird. The broken parts don’t destroy it; they are mended, allowing it to rise from the ashes stronger than ever.
So, if you’re looking for a truly powerful symbol, it can’t get better than this.
16. Kintsugi bracelet
Are you a fan of bracelet tattoos? If so, here’s an amazing blackwork for you. Some parts are fully black, whereas others depict intricate black patterns that add intensity to the ink.
And of course, the golden lines are there to emphasize the exquisiteness of the mended parts.
17. Kintsugi bonsai
We’re all familiar with the adorable bonsai trees. But did you know they also represent the balance between yin and yang?
The golden lines across the tree emphasize this meaning even further, reminding you to not hide your dark parts because they are also a part of you.
18. Kintsugi brain
How about a captivating shoulder tattoo? It displays a brain, adorned with golden lines and black and gray floral patterns.
It’s a tattoo that perfectly blends aesthetic appeal and meaning, implying that just because your brain is still having a hard time coping with issues from the past, that doesn’t mean it’s too late for you.
You can always heal and create a better life for yourself, even if it takes you a little while.
19. Kintsugi knight
This kintsugi tattoo depicts a knight in a fallen state. His whole body seems to be covered in gold, signifying utter defeat, but also the the glory that comes with the noble life of a knight, regardless of how it ends.
It’s a design that will inspire you to honor your life, all the while elevating your appearance to new heights.
20. Kintsugi butterfly
Who wouldn’t like a beautiful kintsugi butterfly tattoo? One wing is adorned with ocean blue hues, whereas the other is decorated with floral patterns and birds, signifying brokenness.
Would you ever think to yourself that this butterfly is any less beautiful just because it isn’t whole? Probably not.
That’s why the message of this design, as well as all the others, is to celebrate your unique beauty, with all its broken parts.
