24K Gold Kintsugi Arita Ware Matcha Bowl | Gray Silence
$2,214.00 AUD
Restored by Nobuyasu Suginaka
Hand-restored in Japan with traditional kintsugi techniques using natural urushi lacquer.
See more works by Nobuyasu Suginaka →
Discover the Japanese Art of Kintsugi
Kintsugi, derived from the Japanese words "kin" (gold) and "tsugi" (to mend), is the ancient art of restoring broken pottery with natural Urushi lacquer and enhancing it with powdered metals such as pure gold.
Though often recognized abroad simply as “golden joinery,” kintsugi is in fact one expression within Japan’s broader tradition of urushi lacquer arts.
More than restoration, it is rooted in wabi-sabi—embracing imperfection, resilience, and renewal, while honoring the vessel’s history.
To truly understand this art, one must first look to its foundation: urushi lacquer, a natural and sustainable material remarkable for its strength and versatility. For centuries, this living medium has been used to create Japan’s distinctive artistry.
Why Urushi Is the Heart of Kintsugi?
Urushi lacquer is a natural, sustainable material derived from the sap of the lacquer tree. It has been used for centuries in kintsugi due to its remarkable properties:
- Strong Adhesion: Ensures durable restoration.
- Water Resistance: Protects against leaks.
- Chemical Resistance: Resists acids, alkalis, salts, and alcohols.
- Thermal Insulation: Shields against heat.
- Antiseptic Properties: Naturally resists bacteria and fungi.
- Strong Film Formation: As the urushi lacquer dries, it forms a strong film that makes the restored piece resilient and durable.
These versatile properties make urushi lacquer perfect for kintsugi, creating strong, beautiful and durable restorations that honor the history of the original piece and become cherished heirlooms. In addition, urushi lacquer is a sustainable material that is naturally sourced and promotes eco-friendly craftsmanship that respects both tradition and the environment.
The Kintsugi Process (4-5 Months)
- Application: We carefully restore cracks, chips, or broken pieces with urushi lacquer, sometimes mixing with other natural materials for extra strength, depending on the damage.
- Layering: Restored areas are coated with several layers of urushi lacquer, dried, and polished several times to create a strong, smooth base.
- Decoration: Finally, we decorate the piece with metal powder. While pure gold is commonly used, we also use pure silver ("Gintsugi") and colored urushi lacquer ("Iro-urushitsugi") to match the original design.
Learn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi!
About This Piece
Gray Stillness from Arita
No decoration competes for attention on this matcha bowl. The deep gray glaze—uniform, matte, and restrained—comes from the kilns of Arita, where Japanese porcelain production has continued since the seventeenth century. The form is minimal. The bowl communicates through its surface and silence.
Bold Gold Across a Quiet Surface
The contrast on this bowl is immediate: 24K gold lines crossing a field of unbroken gray. Master artisan Nobuyasu Suginaka, with four decades in urushi craft including sacred site conservation, applied the gold with a boldness that the minimal surface demands. Against this backdrop, every restored line is fully visible.
The Fracture as Composition
On a decorated vessel, kintsugi gold competes with existing patterns. On this gray bowl, the gold lines become the only visual element—the fracture pattern itself becomes the composition. No two breaks produce the same geometry. The pattern on this bowl was authored not by the artisan but by the moment of impact, then made permanent in gold.
About vessel:
- Type: Pottery
- Origin: Arita ware
Materials used:
Production time (in months): 4
Care & Food Safety
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- After use, wash the pieces using a soft sponge and foodsafe detergent.
- Rinse them in lukewarm or cool water and completely dry them using a soft dish cloth.
- Do not soak them in hot or cold water for long periods of time. This may cause the urushi or maki-e lacquer to peel or fracture.
- The urushi (Japanese lacquer) may break or the maki-e lacquer decoration may peel off if the piece is dropped or if it collides with other hard objects. Please handle these pieces carefully.
- Do not place these pieces in the microwave or dishwasher.
Safe for Everyday Use:
Restored with natural, non-toxic materials, our Kintsugi piece is safe for everyday use - no worries about leaks or harmful chemicals.
📦 Inside the Box
A traditional paulownia wood box (except for some flatware), with a Store Card, Care Instructions, and Certificate of Authenticity & Quality.
📱 See our packing on Instagram — @kintsugilabo
🚚 Worldwide Delivery
- Ships in 2–3 business days via DHL Express (international, tracked) or Japan Post (domestic). Estimated transit to USA, UK, Canada, and Australia: 1–2 weeks, subject to local customs.
- We ship to USA, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland, Brazil, Spain, and Japan. Contact us for other destinations.
- DHL does not deliver to PO Boxes.
- View 2026 Japan Shipping Holidays →
🛃 Duties & Taxes (DAP)
Our prices do not include import duties or taxes — these are set by your country's customs and are the buyer's responsibility. DHL will email you a secure payment link before delivery; once paid, your order is cleared and delivered.
- 🇺🇸 U.S. customers: a 10% import duty applies (effective February 24, 2026, subject to U.S. policy).
- 🎁 Gift orders: Duty notifications go to you (the buyer), not the recipient. If unpaid by the deadline, DHL may contact the recipient directly.
- ⚠️ Unpaid duties may delay delivery or return the package; return shipping may be deducted from refunds.
The Craft Behind the Beauty
Understanding the Art of Kintsugi
| Style | Finishing Material | Aesthetic & Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Kintsugi 金継ぎ |
Pure 24K gold powder | The classic finish — warm, luxurious, and rooted in history. |
| Gintsugi 銀継ぎ |
Fine silver powder | A cooler, contemporary register — serene and modern in feel. |
| Iro-Urushitsugi 色漆継ぎ |
Colored urushi | An expressive choice — vivid pigment harmonizing with the vessel's character. |
What Our Collectors Say
Verified Kintsugi Reviews from Around the World
Thoughtfully Crafted with Sustainability in Every step
