Kintsugi (Japanese: 金継ぎ, lit. 'golden joinery'), also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair"), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.

Chinese and Japanese calligraphy are deeply connected due to their shared roots, but they developed distinct characteristics over time, influenced by cultural, linguistic, and philosophical differences.

Zen Calligraphy or Zenshō (禅書), is a unique form of brush calligraphy deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Zen Buddhism. It is not just an artistic expression but also a spiritual practice, where the act of writing becomes a form of meditation and a way to express one’s inner state. Zen calligraphy is closely associated with Zenga (禅画), the Zen-inspired painting tradition, but it focuses specifically on writing characters or symbols with a brush.

Calligraphy is one of the most revered and enduring art forms in East Asia, encompassing the traditions of China, Japan, and Korea. Its history, styles, and philosophies reflect the cultural and aesthetic values of the region, merging visual art with language and spirituality.

Zenga (禅画), meaning “Zen painting,” is a style of Japanese art deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism. Practiced primarily by Zen monks, Zenga is characterized by its simplicity, spontaneity, and directness, aiming to capture the essence of Zen philosophy. It serves not only as an art form but also as a meditative practice and an expression of spiritual insight.

Splashed Ink (潑墨) is a dynamic and expressive technique in traditional Chinese ink painting. It involves ink's spontaneous and free application to create abstract, fluid, and often unpredictable forms. The technique emphasizes spirit and emotional resonance over precise detail, aligning with the philosophical values of Taoism (道教) and Zen Buddhism (禪宗).

沒骨畫, or “Boneless Painting”, is a traditional East Asian painting technique that originated in China. The style emphasizes creating forms without outlines, relying on washes of ink or color to define shapes. Instead of precise contours, the focus is on capturing the spirit (神韻) and essence of the subject, resulting in a soft and natural appearance.

East Asian painting encompasses a rich tapestry of philosophies and artistic principles that have developed over centuries. Rooted in Chinese traditions and later adapted by Japanese and Korean cultures, these philosophies reflect shared values of harmony, nature, and spiritual expression, while each region developed its unique artistic identity.

While there isn’t a formalized or universally recognized art style or genre called “Zen art” in the traditional sense, but the term is often used informally to describe artworks and aesthetics influenced by Zen Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China before spreading to Japan, Korea, and beyond. These can include a variety of artistic expressions and principles that align with Zen philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, mindfulness, and harmony with nature.