{"product_id":"pure-silver-kintsugi-shigaraki-cup-ember-and-ash","title":"Pure Silver Kintsugi Shigaraki Cup | Ember and Ash","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"kl-desc\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.35em; letter-spacing: 0.06em; color: #000; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 36px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eDiscover the Japanese Art of Kintsugi\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 40px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKintsugi, derived from the Japanese words \"kin\" (gold) and \"tsugi\" (to mend), is the ancient art of restoring broken pottery with natural \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eUrushi\u003c\/em\u003e lacquer\u003c\/strong\u003e and enhancing it with powdered metals such as pure gold.\u003cbr\u003eThough often recognized abroad simply as \"golden joinery,\" kintsugi is in fact one expression within Japan's broader tradition of \u003cem\u003eurushi\u003c\/em\u003e lacquer arts.\u003cbr\u003eMore than restoration, it is rooted in wabi-sabi—embracing imperfection, resilience, and renewal, while honoring the vessel's history.\u003cbr\u003eTo truly understand this art, one must first look to its foundation: \u003cem\u003eurushi\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 32px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eWhy Urushi Is the Heart of Kintsugi?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 30px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUrushi lacquer is a natural, sustainable material derived from \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Urushi lacquer for kintsugi, extracted from lacquer trees\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0510\/1803\/9485\/files\/Urushi_kaki.jpg?v=1686554147\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethe sap of the lacquer tree\u003c\/a\u003e. It has been used for centuries in kintsugi due to its remarkable properties:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrong Adhesion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensures durable restoration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protects against leaks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChemical Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Resists acids, alkalis, salts, and alcohols.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThermal Insulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shields against heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAntiseptic Properties:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally resists bacteria and fungi.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrong Film Formation:\u003c\/strong\u003e As the urushi lacquer dries, it forms a strong film that makes the restored piece resilient and durable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 32px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eThe Kintsugi Process (4–5 Months)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 30px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e We carefully restore cracks, chips, or broken pieces with urushi lacquer, sometimes mixing with other natural materials for extra strength, depending on the damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLayering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Restored areas are coated with several layers of urushi lacquer, dried, and polished several times to create a strong, smooth base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Discover Authentic Kintsugi Techniques\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0510\/1803\/9485\/files\/Authentic-Kintsugi-techniques.pdf?v=1718441210\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLearn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 32px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eKintsugi isn't just about gold!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 30px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinishing with pure silver (called \"Gintsugi\") and colored \u003cem\u003eurushi\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 32px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eKintsugi Finish Type for This Piece:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 30px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"kl-figure\"\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Gintsugi silver repair highlighted with a red check mark. Illustration of a black tea bowl with silver lacquer restoration.\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0510\/1803\/9485\/files\/gintsugi-silver-repair-style-selection.png?v=1751443924\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"kl-figure\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"kl-table-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinish Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterials Used\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKintsugi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure gold powder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOffers a classic, elegant look that adds a touch of luxury.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGintsugi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure silver powder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrings a contemporary twist to traditional pottery with a sleek, modern style.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIro-urushitsugi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColored urushi lacquer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdds a vibrant, artistic touch that impressively complements the design and style of the original vessel.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 32px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eOther Decorative Techniques for This Piece\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 30px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNashiji\u003c\/em\u003e Technique:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eUrushi-e\u003c\/em\u003e, colorful lacquer painting:\u003c\/strong\u003e A historic technique of hand-painting with colored \u003cem\u003eurushi\u003c\/em\u003e lacquer, adding artistry and timeless refinement to the piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.35em; letter-spacing: 0.06em; color: #000; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.35; margin: 36px 0 6px 0;\"\u003eAbout This Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 40px; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(178, 137, 91); margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"font-size: 1.0em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0 0 2px 0;\"\u003eShigaraki Earth, Eight Centuries Deep\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"\u003eShigaraki ware belongs to Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, with over 800 years of tradition. This hand-thrown cup carries an ivory white surface with dark iron spots, its robust rounded form and organic silhouette shaped by the potter's hands in the wabi-sabi spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"font-size: 1.0em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0 0 2px 0;\"\u003eWhere a Fragment Was Lost, Urushi Answers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"\u003eReassembled from several broken pieces and a missing section near the rim, this cup presented a complex restoration. Master artisan Nobuyasu Suginaka, with over 40 years of lacquer expertise honed through decades of restoring sacred temples and Buddhist altars, rebuilt the vessel over four months with natural urushi lacquer. Silver seams rejoin each fragment, brought to the deep luster of roiro, the pinnacle of urushi finishing. The lost section was filled entirely with layered urushi, then painted with urushi-e brushwork in red and gold and finished with the nashiji technique, transforming absence into one of the most striking elements of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"font-size: 1.0em; color: rgb(178, 137, 91); font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0 0 2px 0;\"\u003eShigaraki Meets the Lacquer Artist's Brush\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"\u003eFor most of its 800-year history, Shigaraki ware has drawn its character from the kiln alone. This cup now carries a second artistic voice. The black urushi panel, painted with gestural strokes of red and gold, introduces the vocabulary of lacquer art into a vessel born from earth and fire. Natural urushi lacquer continues to harden over decades, and the nashiji gold flecks within will deepen as the lacquer matures. Two of Japan's oldest craft traditions converge in a single cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Kintsugi Labo JAPAN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46531702096061,"sku":"UN0048","price":590.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0510\/1803\/9485\/files\/cup-adorned-kintsugi-shigaraki-pure-silver-food-safe-3d-photo-un0048.jpg?v=1774247863","url":"https:\/\/kintsugilabo.com\/products\/pure-silver-kintsugi-shigaraki-cup-ember-and-ash","provider":"The Kintsugi Labo JAPAN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}