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UN0033
Unique Kintsugi Soup Cup Metallic blue, Antique Imari (Ko-Imari)
★★★★★
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Discover the Art of Kintsugi
Kintsugi, from the Japanese words "kin" (gold) and "tsugi" (to mend or restore), is the ancient Japanese art of restoring broken pottery with urushi lacquer* and decorating it with metal powder. More than just a restoration method, kintsugi celebrates the beauty in imperfection.
🌳 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)
- 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.
*Note: "Gintsugi" (using silver) and "Iro-urushitsugi" (using colored lacquer) are also forms of kintsugi. Regardless of the finish, kintsugi celebrates beauty in imperfection and honors the history and character of each piece.
Learn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi!
🏺 Types of Kintsugi Finishes 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. |
✨ Additional Techniques Enhancing This Kintsugi Piece:
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Nashiji, brilliant with the passage of time
A technique in which urushi lacquer is applied to the surface of a vessel, gold or silver powder is sprinkled on top, and then a transparent urushi lacquer is applied and polished to a smooth finish so that the powder is not exposed. This is a highly skilled decorative technique, and as the urushi lacquer becomes transparent over time, the gold and silver underneath becomes more apparent over the years.
🌟 Why Choose This Kintsugi Piece?
- Authentic Restoration: Expertly restored by skilled artisans using urushi lacquer, preserving traditional Japanese techniques.
- Safe and Reusable: Made with natural materials, ensuring it's safe for daily use without concerns about leaks or harmful substances.
- Unique Design: Showcases the iro-urushitsugi technique with vermilion urushi lacquer, enhancing the vibrant botanical patterns.
- Exquisite Finish: Meticulously decorated using the rare Nashiji technique for unmatched smoothness and luster.
- 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.
Transforming Brokenness into Beauty
The Artful Kintsugi Technique
Step into the world of the Japanese art of Kintsugi and witness the artistry and skill of transforming broken pottery into timeless beauty, as performed by a skilled Japanese lacquer artist.
Explore the Magic of Kintsugiethical features
Natural Materials
Our Kintsugi pieces are created using only renewable and natural materials including Japanese natural lacquer.
Broken Vessels for Kintsugi
Never intentionally break new vessels, collect broken ceramics from collaborators such as kilns or wholesalers throughout Japan.
Packaging
Your Kintsugi piece arrives in a fast-growing, eco-friendly Paulownia wood box.
Our Sustainable Artistry
Green Kintsugi Approach
1Natural Materials
We use only renewable and natural materials, including urushi lacquer from lacquer trees, to create our Kintsugi pieces, ensuring they are safe for reuse as tableware.
2Broken Vessels for Kintsugi
We source valuable, broken Japanese pottery, like hand-painted vessels, from trusted partners to save them from being discarded.
Photo credit: ©T.NISHIKAWA & CO., INC.
3Eco-Luxe Packaging
Our Kintsugi pieces come in a lightweight, eco-friendly Paulownia wood box, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and Japan's rich heritage.
Guaranteed Authenticity
Kintsugi Assurance
Each Kintsugi piece comes with a Certificate of Origin & Quality, guaranteeing its authenticity and craftsmanship. Printed on traditional Japanese paper with over 1,300 years of history, the certificate is as unique as the art itself, featuring elegant cloud-like patterns. It's a symbol of the piece's value and exclusivity, so keep it as a special reminder of your one-of-a-kind creation. Click here to view a paper sample.
Shop NowGolden Testimonials
Kintsugi Reviews
5 ★★★★★
100+ Happy Customers Worldwide: Satisfied by Many!
Karen C. / Ontario, Canada
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Kintsugi: Reflecting Our Imperfections
Unique reflection of the brokenness of each of us, and the transformation that is possible into beauty.
April, 2024
Adam L. / Florida, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Beautiful Work
I love the philosophy behind Kintsugi. This piece perfectly embodies the beauty of imperfection.
April, 2024
Rodney B. / Texas, USA
On-site Buyer
★★★★★
A Testament To The Authentic Craftsmanship!
We love our kintsugi sake cup. It was created with an incredible attention to detail. The information that was given to us during the process was so interesting and made the piece much more special.
March, 2024
Simone C. / South Carolina, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Timeless Techniques, Stunning Kintsugi!
The craftsmanship is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on the use of natural, traditional processes and ingredients. It's evident that great care and attention to detail is invested in every step, resulting in a product that not only looks beautiful, but also honors ancient techniques.
February, 2024
Luke M. / NSW, Australia
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
unique & beautiful craftmanship
I was truly impressed by the unique and beautiful craftsmanship. It's clear that each piece is crafted with an incredible amount of care and precision, resulting in a truly unique work of art.
January, 2024
Chris & Emilia P. / California, USA
On-site Buyer
★★★★★
Thoughtful Design, Exquisite Beauty
The quality, the beautiful aesthetic, the deep thoughtfulness behind the design, the texture and the story behind the craft.
December, 2023
Suood L. / Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A customer who requested a Kintsugi repair
★★★★★
Masterful repair!
I truly appreciate the authentic way your Kintsugi pieces are presented. It feels like each piece has a story to tell, and the repairs only enhance its unique character. It's clear that a lot of love and care goes into the restoration process.
December, 2023
Jennifer M. / Tokyo, JAPAN
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Beautiful & A Trustworthy Merchant!
The craftsmanship is beautiful and I love that you were able to ship the piece to me. It was very well packed.
December, 2023
Leila P. / Hawaii, USA
On-site Buyer
★★★★★
Thought & Care in Every Piece
I love that it is original, and that so much thought and work went into each piece.
November, 2023
Teilo P. / London, UK
On-site Buyer
★★★★★
Impressed by Authenticity
The authenticity of the product and the presentation of everything. I also enjoyed the beginning where you are educated on the history of kintsugi.
September, 2023
Thelma Z. / California, USA
On-site Buyer
★★★★★
A Memorable Kintsugi Journey
Michie, Ken & Yasu were wonderful hosts, offering a memorable Kintsugi experience. Our package from Kintsugi Labo arrived safely, and the completed Kintsugi small plates hold special meaning with the stamped date on the back. The Kintsugi sake cup is a beautiful addition to our collection. Thanks for everything!
June, 2023
Farhad R. / Basel, Switzerland
Enthusiastic Superbuyer
★★★★★
Simplicity Refined
Simple yet elegant, this piece uplifts the spirit with its understated beauty and grace.
June, 2023
Julia K. / California, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Swift＆Stunning!
Fast delivery, high quality, beautiful work, certification included!
March, 2023
Heather C. / California, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Beauty in Brokenness
The dragon bowl was made even more beautiful through its brokenness as it was expertly re-crafted by The Kintsugi Labo. I couldn’t be happier with my beautiful unique piece of pottery.
March, 2023
Farhad R. / Basel, Switzerland
Enthusiastic Superbuyer
★★★★★
Beautiful Kintsugi, Fast delivery & Great business model!
It arrived very quickly and Beautiful Shigaraki ware tea cup , even more beautiful after the repair! Congratulations to Mr Suginaka, and also to Michie and Ken for this way of supporting local artists and businesses!
February, 2023
Casey F. / Texas, USA
On-site Buyer
★★★★★
A trusted and satisfying purchase
Among the many shops selling "Kintsugi like" pieces, The Kintsugi Labo JAPAN is the only one I trusted for authentic Kintsugi. The price range is reasonable considering the superb techniques and value of the original vessels. I'm delighted to have purchased such a beautiful Kintsugi pottery during my stay in Japan.
December, 2022
Lynne G. / Queensland, Australia
Enthusiastic Superbuyer
★★★★★
Stunning Craftsmanship
I purchased 3 Neo Kintsugi serving plates, they are stunning!!! The quality & workmanship is just beautiful. I would highly recommend The Kintsugi Lab to anyone looking for something a little different. Also their customer service is second to none.
November, 2022
Susan K. / Washington, USA
Enthusiastic Superbuyer
★★★★★
A Beautiful Piece with an Inspiring Business Model
My son adores the kintsugi sake cup I bought from you. It's a truly beautiful piece with skillful repairs. The extra gifts and natural box were appreciated. Your website's philosophy and business model enrich our experience. Thank you!
August, 2022
Karen C. / Kentucky, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Authentic and Meaningful Gift
I purchased a beautiful piece for my stepdaughter - not only is it beautiful and authentic but it comes with a story if it’s history and meaning - what an amazing gift!
June, 2022
Jason P. / Massachusetts, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Beautifully Restored Cup Makes Perfect Gift
I purchased a beautifully restored cup as a gift for my wife. It was well packaged and promptly delivered to her in the US. She loved it!
May, 2022
Taku N. / Texas, USA
Enthusiastic Superbuyer
★★★★★
Elegant And Timeless Kintsugi Tableware
I ordered 3 elegant neo-style rectangular plates and a stunning traditional kintsugi tea bowl. They surpassed my expectations in person and make perfect gifts. The pricing is fair, and the packaging and shipping were remarkable. I'm delighted to have found your studio and look forward to future purchases or visiting in person
March, 2022
Denise, R / Maryland, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Perfect Wedding Gift and Wonderful Customer Service
I received the perfect gift for my nephews wedding. Thank you so very much !!! I hope I can wait until the wedding to give it to him. You have been an absolute pleasure to correspond with and I look forward to making more purchases in the future. *And the special note from you - beautiful 💕
April, 2022
Doug N. / NSW, Australia
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Exquisite Kintsugi Sake Cup Set - A Perfect Gift
We purchased the "Unique Kintsugi Meoto Sake Cup set (Gold & Silver)" for our eldest son's birthday and we were extremely pleased with it! We were particularly impressed with how quickly it arrived and how beautifully it was presented. I'm sure our son will love this exquisite and unique gift!
January, 2022
Ryan C. / Utah, USA
Verified Buyer
★★★★★
Beautiful Kintsugi Hagi Vessel, Excellent Service
The Hagi-style vessel is stunning, and Mr. Suginaka's kintsugi repair is museum-worthy. I'm grateful to have found your import business, connecting artisans and appreciative customers like me. I look forward to being a loyal customer and sharing my positive experience with others.
December, 2021