Unique Kintsugi Fruit bowl Apple shape, Arita ware
$676.00 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. While kintsugi is widely known, it is actually just one of many traditional techniques in Japanese urushi lacquer art. Rooted in the philosophy of wabi-sabi, kintsugi celebrates imperfection, resilience, and renewal, turning cracks into unique and beautiful features that honor the history of each piece.
This piece has been meticulously restored by a highly skilled Japanese lacquer craftsman using urushi lacquer and genuine silver powder in the time-honored tradition of kintsugi.
🌳 Why Urushi Lacquer?
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.
👉 Kintsugi isn't just about gold!
Finishing with pure silver (called "Gintsugi") and colored urushi lacquer (called "Iro-urushitsugi") are equally authentic forms of this art. Regardless of the type of finish, kintsugi honors imperfection, preserves history, and transforms each piece into a unique treasure.
Learn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi!
☑️ Kintsugi Finish Type for This Piece:

|
Finish Type |
Materials Used | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kintsugi | Pure gold powder | Offers a classic, elegant look that adds a touch of luxury. |
| Gintsugi | Pure silver powder | Brings a contemporary twist to traditional pottery with a sleek, modern style. |
| Iro-urushitsugi | Colored urushi lacquer | Adds a vibrant, artistic touch that impressively complements the design and style of the original vessel. |
🎨 Other Restoration or Decorative Techniques for This Piece
- Raden Inlay Technique: This method uses colorful mother-of-pearl shells, like green turbo or abalone, that are cut into decorative shapes and applied to the surface of a lacquered object. The result is a beautiful, sparkling finish that looks like precious jewelry.
- Nashiji Technique: In this technique, Nashiji powder, like gold or silver, is sprinkled onto the surface of the lacquered object. A clear lacquer is then applied, and the surface is polished to the extent that the powder is not exposed. The result is a stunning, glittering finish that looks like stars shining through the transparent urushi lacquer. The name Nashiji means "pear skin" in Japanese because the finish resembles the surface of a pear.
🌟 Why Choose This Kintsugi Piece?
- Authentic Restoration: Expert Japanese lacquer artisans meticulously restored the Arita ware bowl with natural urushi lacquer, preserving centuries-old techniques
- Durable and Beautiful: Each fragment is delicately joined and strengthened for durability, adorned with pure silver powder, creating a mesmerizing contrast.
- Intricate Techniques:: Enhanced with intricate Raden and Nashiji techniques, making it a truly exceptional and stunning piece.
- Historical Significance: Originating in Arita in the 17th century, Arita ware has greatly influenced Japanese porcelain and European ceramics.
- Resilience and Renewal: Though damaged in transit, this bowl was reborn through kintsugi, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and nature's resilience.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Supports sustainable practices by restoring rather than discarding pottery.
- Wabi-Sabi Philosophy: Celebrates the beauty of imperfection and resilience, honoring each piece's history.
*Please note that this plate will be shipped in a regular paper box, not a paulownia box. Thank you.
About vessel:
- Type: Porcelain
- Origin: Arita ware
Materials used:
Production time (in months): 3
Care & Food Safety
-
- 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.
Beyond Kintsugi Restoration
Where Kintsugi Becomes Urushi Art
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
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Thoughtfully Crafted with Sustainability in Every step
