24K Gold Kintsugi Kyoto Ware Tokkuri | The Patina of Memory
CHF 332.00
Restored by Rio Hashimoto
Hand-restored in Japan with traditional kintsugi techniques using natural urushi lacquer.
See more works by Rio Hashimoto →
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 expert Japanese lacquer artists using urushi lacquer and genuine 24K gold 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.
Learn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi!
🌟 The Essence of This Kintsugi Creation
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The Enduring Grace of Kyoto Ware: This vessel originates from the heart of Japan's ancient capital, crafted in the Kyoto ware style. It features the traditional Mishima technique, where stamped flower patterns are filled with white slip. With time and use, the glaze may reveal a fine network of lines—a celebrated feature that allows the patterns to mature with a unique wabi-sabi patina, making you a participant in its ever-evolving story.
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A Whisper of Gold: The delicate spout, once broken, was healed with profound care. Rather than making a bold statement, the artist chose a subtle and precise 24K gold restoration. This minimalist approach is a conceptual choice—a quiet act of reverence that honors the vessel’s inherent grace, embodying a true philosophy of care.
- A Vessel for Quiet Moments: More than a simple server, this tokkuri is a companion for stillness. Its delicate silhouette, soft gray hue, and almost invisible mend invite 'a moment of contemplation'. To use it is to connect with its gentle past and embrace the quiet beauty of the patina of time.
About vessel:
- Type: Pottery
- Origin: Kyoto 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
