Authentic Kintsugi Tea Cup, Simplicity in Shigaraki Ware

Discover the Japanese Art of Kintsugi

Kintsugi, derived from the Japanese words "kin" (gold) and "tsugi" (to mend or restore), is the ancient art of restoring broken pottery with natural Urushi lacquer* and enhancing it with pure gold or other metal powders. Rooted in the wabi-sabi philosophy, it celebrates imperfection, resilience, and renewal, turning cracks into unique and beautiful features that honor each piece's history.

🌳 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 features make urushi lacquer perfect for kintsugi, creating strong, beautiful restorations that honor the history of the original piece.

🖌️ The Kintsugi Process (4-5 Months)

1. Application: Our expert lacquer artists carefully restore cracks, chips, or broken pieces with urushi lacquer, sometimes mixing with other natural materials for extra strength, depending on the damage.
2. Layering: Restored areas are coated with several layers of urushi lacquer, dried, and polished several times to create a strong, smooth base.
3. Decoration: Finally, the piece is adorned with metal powder. While pure gold is the most common, we also use pure silver ("Gintsugi") and colored urushi lacquer ("Iro-urushitsugi") to complement the original design.

*Explore Beyond Gold: Kintsugi isn't just about gold! "Gintsugi" (silver finish) and "Iro-urushitsugi" (colored lacquer finish) are also beautiful forms of this art. No matter the finish, Kintsugi celebrates the beauty of imperfection and preserves the unique history of each piece.

Learn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi!

☑️ Type of Kintsugi Finishes for This Piece:

🌟 Why Choose This Kintsugi Piece?

• Authentic Japanese Craftsmanship:  Restored by an expert Japanese lacquer artist using layers of natural urushi lacquer and 24K gold powder, this piece exemplifies the highest standards of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
• Decorated with 24K gold: The damaged areas restored with urushi lacquer are finally decorated with genuine 24K gold powder, transforming past imperfections into striking, luminous details that enhance their beauty and value.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Made from Shigaraki ware, a historic Japanese pottery celebrated for its rustic charm, earthy textures, and centuries-old wood-fired traditions, deeply rooted in Japanese tea culture.
• Philosophy of Wabi-Sabi: This piece embodies wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic of embracing imperfection, making it a symbol of resilience, transformation and the beauty of impermanence.
• Sustainable Beauty: This Kintsugi piece breathes new life into a once-broken vessel, preserving and honoring the artistry and spirit of its original creator. It's a timeless blend of tradition and renewal, demonstrating the beauty of restoration over disposal.
• A Unique and Meaningful Treasure: No two Kintsugi pieces are alike. Each one-of-a-kind cup tells its own story, making it the perfect gift or personal keepsake for those who appreciate art, history, and mindful living.