Kintsukuroi: A Metaphor for Resilience and Beauty

A Fine Porcelain Wallpaper with a Deeper Meaning

During these troubled times, designer Elisa Tonelli draws inspiration from the ancient Japanese art of Kintsukuroi to create a unique and meaningful wallpaper design.

Elisa Tonelli's latest design project, Kintsukuroi, takes inspiration from the rich traditions of porcelain and the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. The result is a visually stunning wallpaper that not only adds beauty to any space but also symbolizes resilience and a new beginning.

What sets Kintsukuroi apart is its unique properties. The fine porcelain surface of the wallpaper breaks to reveal an even more valuable surface made of precious metal sheets. This metaphor for our troubled times resonates deeply, reminding us that beauty can emerge from adversity.

The design of Kintsukuroi is deeply articulated and filled with emotions. Its high-profile finishes and attention to detail make it a true piece of art that anyone can purchase. Whether it's a baroque room or a minimalistic space, this wallpaper fits perfectly, adding a touch of elegance and meaning.

The realization of Kintsukuroi involves digitally printing the design on textured vinyl with metallic finishes. The standard panel size is 650 cm wide by 270 cm high, but customization options are available to meet the client's needs. The wallpapers are produced in the Netherlands, meeting the highest standards of washability, fire resistance, and scratch resistance.

Elisa Tonelli's journey in creating Kintsukuroi started during the 2020 pandemic, a time when certainties crumbled, and new values emerged. Collaborating with YO2 Design, this project became a reality and is now featured in the 2021 catalog of a new wallpaper brand.

The design of Kintsukuroi is not only visually captivating but also backed by research and inspiration. Elisa's love for ceramics and structured surfaces led her to explore museum art collections of ancient pottery, where she found a natural scene on the verge of breaking. Further research on Kintsukuroi and the use of gold in repairing broken objects fueled her creativity, resulting in this stunning wallpaper design.

Kintsukuroi has already received recognition in the design world, winning the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the design's practicality, innovation, and ability to meet professional and industrial requirements.

With Kintsukuroi, Elisa Tonelli has created more than just a wallpaper. It is a statement of resilience, beauty, and the power of embracing imperfections. This design invites us to reflect on our own journeys, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and create something truly remarkable.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Elisa Tonelli
Image Credits: Elisa Tonelli
Project Team Members: Elisa Tonelli
Project Name: Kintsukuroi
Project Client: Elisa Tonelli


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