megtörtek

Megtörtek is a Hungarian folk term, often translated as "broken" or "shattered," used to describe a specific type of porcelain or ceramic object that has been deliberately damaged and then artfully repaired. This practice is distinct from simple mending, as the emphasis is on the aesthetic integration of the damage and repair into the object's overall design. The fractures are typically highlighted rather than hidden, often using contrasting materials like gold or silver lacquer to fill the cracks, a technique reminiscent of Japanese kintsugi.

The philosophy behind megtörtek suggests that imperfections and damage are part of an object's history and should be embraced, not concealed. It celebrates the object's resilience and its journey, transforming what might be considered a flaw into a unique feature. This approach can imbue the object with a new kind of beauty, a testament to its survival and the care taken in its restoration. While the term itself is Hungarian, the concept resonates with similar artistic traditions found in other cultures that value the beauty of imperfection and repair. Objects treated with megtörtek can range from everyday tableware to decorative pieces, each carrying a story of breakage and renewed existence.