THE VASE WITH THE GOLDEN CRACKS by Fran Nuño & Zuzanna Celej
HARDCOVER
Author: Fran Nuño
Illustrator: Zuzanna Celej
Poetic, reflective, and quietly profound, THE VASE WITH THE GOLDEN CRACKS is an evocative picture book about purpose, resilience, and finding beauty in what has been broken.
In a remote part of Japan, a precious tradition is passed from father to son. Each day, a vase is filled with magical words - gentle guides that, like breadcrumbs, help lead a young boy toward his meaning in life, his ikigai. The vase is not just an object, but a vessel of wisdom, care, and continuity.
Then one day, the vase breaks. Instead of guilt or regret, the boy is introduced to the art of kintsugi - repairing broken pottery with gold. As the cracks are carefully mended, the lesson becomes clear: our scars do not diminish us. They tell our story. They show how much we have learned, grown, and endured.
Written by Fran Nuño and illustrated with delicate, atmospheric beauty by Zuzanna Celej, this book weaves ancient tradition and gentle philosophy into a story full of warmth and hope. The Vase with the Golden Cracks is a moving reminder that life’s breaks can become our most beautiful lines - when we choose to mend them with care.