Ken and Michie - January 8 2026
A Quiet Beginning — Welcoming 2026
A New Year Shaped by Continuity, Refinement, and Devotion to Japanese Lacquer Art
Photo by Yuko Aoki
As we welcome 2026, we return to the workbench with renewed focus. The turning of the year does not mark an end, but a continuation of patiently moving hands, slowly responding materials, and stories unfolding over time. With gratitude for all who have walked with us, we would like to share how we will begin this new chapter.
A Growing Circle of Urushi Lacquer Artists
Over the past year, four urushi lacquer artists have joined The Kintsugi Labo JAPAN, quietly expanding the range of voices and possibilities within our studio.
Among them are Kyoto City University of Arts graduates who specialized in urushi lacquer, as well as a nationally certified master of traditional lacquer craftsmanship. Their expertise enables us to transcend conventional restoration by creating artistically adorned kintsugi pieces that can only be made here.These pieces unite traditional kintsugi with refined urushi decoration, incorporating subtle maki-e details, layered lacquer expression, and painterly restraint.
Rather than overpowering the vessel, such adornment enhances its original atmosphere, deepens the presence of past damage, and transforms the scars into a more expressive landscape.
This is not decoration for embellishment's sake. It is kintsugi guided by lacquer artists, where restoration and artistic sensibility coexist.
As we enter 2026, the dialogue between traditional repair and urushi artistry continues to evolve. Alongside classic kintsugi pieces, we invite you to discover these unique artistic kintsugi works, where each vessel's history and character are brought into sharper focus through lacquer.
A Mark of Trust: Renewing Our Certificate Seal
Last year, we commissioned Kouko Saito, a Japanese calligrapher and third-generation seal engraver from Shiga, to design a new seal for our certificates of authenticity. He trained for six years in Osaka and was awarded the Gold Prize at the 2001 National Skills Grand Prix. His work bridges traditional hanko engraving and calligraphic expression. His seals embody quiet authority, lineage, and care.
Though modest in appearance, the seal carries great responsibility. Exclusively designed for our atelier, it is pressed onto each certificate of authenticity and, more discreetly, onto the inside of the paulownia box lid. The seal serves as a subtle mark of authorship and care, connecting each piece to its creator, the philosophy that guided its restoration, and the hands that shaped it. This renewal reflects our belief that even the smallest details deserve intention because true trust is often formed in such details.
An Exchange Beyond Borders
Last year, we welcomed a kintsugi apprentice from London to Mr. Suginaka's lacquering studio for a short time.
Although brief, our time together was guided by a desire to share the traditional kintsugi techniques and a deeper understanding of urushi lacquer, including its patience, discipline, and quiet strength.
We hoped this knowledge would live on beyond Japan. Seeing these values resonate across cultures reminded us that true transmission is about dialogue and trust, not imitation. Encounters like this continue to shape our perception of our role as makers and careful stewards of a living tradition.
Looking Ahead — Kintsugi, and Beyond
Continuing Kintsugi Practice
Kintsugi remains at the heart of our work.
Currently, we are carefully restoring over 50 vessels, some of which are still in progress, using urushi lacquer and precious metals such as 24K gold. Each piece has its own history, and we look forward to sharing these renewed works with you as they find their next life.
Introducing Contemporary Urushi Art
In addition to the kintsugi pieces, we plan to start offering contemporary urushi artwork this year.These pieces highlight the characteristics of urushi lacquer, showcasing it not only as a restoration technique, but also as an artistic medium.Surface, depth, and silence are expressed through the urushi lacquer itself.Through kintsugi and beyond, we hope to provide a clearer view of the broader Japanese urushi lacquer art landscape.
Lacquer Artwork by Keiko Hata
The year ahead calls for attentiveness rather than haste.While kintsugi remains central to our practice, it also paves the way for a deeper understanding of urushi artistry.In 2026, we will redesign our website to make it more accessible, guiding those new to kintsugi toward a deeper appreciation of the expressive potential of urushi lacquer.
We are often asked why we work so slowly when restoring broken vessels.
Our answer remains unchanged: Some values can only be revealed over time.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
We look forward to sharing what unfolds in 2026.