The art of mending

The ancient repair technique of Ju Ci looks to be making a comeback in China as more and more people learn how to appreciate imperfection

Itinerant craftsmen used to travel through villages in China, alerting residents of their repair services simply by shouting.

These craftsmen were often hired to fix broken household wares and the skilled ones were renowned for their ability to mend something as small as a cup without using any glue. They would first drill tiny holes on either side of the crack before bending metal staples to hold the pieces together. Though the technique, called Ju Ci, might sound rudimentary, it was undoubtedly effective.